Comments on: Stuck on Classics: Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist

By: Tara Lazar

Tara Lazar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:50:05 +0000

Love this site! Just found it via the 21-day comment challenge. I’ll be back!

By: Gregory Walters

Gregory Walters — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:10:26 +0000

Your discussion of Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artists brings to mind several other books that touch on self-perceptions of students as artists (e.g., The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds) or introduce children to famous artists (e.g., Badly Drawn Dog by Emma Dodson and Art Fraud Detective by Anna Nilsen). One that I particularly treasure is the wordless book, You Can’t Take a Balloon into the National Gallery by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and Robin Preiss Glasser. While parts of this last book, particularly the famous Americans hidden in the drawings, may be lost on young Canadians, the parallel story lines between the balloon-at-large and the family in the museum and between the works of art in the museum and outdoor locations in Washington, D.C., make this a brilliantly conceived book.

By: Holly Cupala

Holly Cupala — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:37:28 +0000

This is just to say, YIPPEEE for Just One More Book! For your exciting news, and for all you do for the kidlit world.

By: Lee Wind

Lee Wind — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:08:42 +0000

Hi Mark, Hi Andrea,
I heard a great story about Lester Fizz, Bubble Gum Artist – that the author, Ruth Spiro, actually went and registered an official “Bubble Gum Day” at some official holiday registry in the US – and then after building up a following of people passionate about bubble gum, a few years later her book came out – and she had this audience, all ready to POP for her book… I thought that was incredibly clever.
Now, after hearing you talk about it, I can’t wait to read it with my daughter!
Oh, and props to you both for the list of other art related podcasts you’ve done – that was REALLY clever, and a very smart way to help us navigate your awesome archives!!!
Good going!

Namaste and two hugs,
Lee

By: Just One More Book!!

Just One More Book!! — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:25:01 +0000

Thanks for stopping in, Dejah. Our favourite Eva Ibbotsons are: The Star of Kazan, Monster Mission, The Beasts of Clawstone Castle, The Secret of Platform 13 and Which Witch? Dial-a-Ghost, The Great Ghost Escape. We have started Journey to the River Sea... You can find a review of these books by our Lucy (then 8) here and our interview with Eva Ibbotson on her 83rd birthday here. Hope you enjoy these too!!

By: DejahView

DejahView — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:47:17 +0000

I LOVE The Story of Ferdinand. I actually just read it to my daughter tonight. It’s such a nice change of pace from the competitive attitude that pervades our culture, and a great reminder to be true to one’s self. Thanks for the comment on my blog, and I can’t wait to listen to the podcast with Eva Ibbotson (will my kids ever go to sleep? We shall see). Do you have other favourites of hers that I should check out?