Pistes d'exploration

Lois Ehlert shares lots of different ways she gets ideas. Make a list of her types of inspiration. Think of a story idea of your own. Share your idea with a partner or the class. Explain how you were inspired.

Browse the book. Discuss the non-fiction and autobiography features.

Look at the page showing Lois Ehlert’s book covers (second-to-last page). Discuss which books are familiar and what similarities you notice. What do you expect in a Lois Ehlert book?

Read one of the books Lois Ehlert refers to in the story. Compare her description of the process of creating the book with the final product.

Describe the objects in the illustrations: colour, shape, size, materials, etc. Make a class list of the most imaginative adjectives.

Find an idea for a story in the world around you. Draft a storyboard using the one in the book as a model.

Make your own craft using the author’s collage technique. Describe how you made it and display it in the classroom.

Read one of the author’s picture books. Write her a letter to tell her how you like her story and artwork.

What Do Authors and Illustrators Do?, A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin, Any Questions?

Mots-clés

Memoir , artists , authors , illustrating , illustrations (collage) , illustrators , Lois Ehlert

Commentaire descriptif

As a child, Lois Ehlert had the idea that someday she would “make a book.” Today, she is the acclaimed author of more than 35 picture books. Part art book, part memoir, this inspirational read-aloud is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Ehlert’s creative process and trajectory as an artist, as well as a heartfelt thank-you letter to her parents. With clarity, the book discusses the author’s influences (e.g. Mother Nature), techniques and writing process, and invites readers to try a few crafts – flower necklace, bird treat, etc. – using materials from their own environment. The artwork is a bold mix of collage, photographs and reproduced pages from her published work. The endpapers are a collage of photos, images from nature, art materials and samples of her work. The larger typeface makes the story accessible to every age group. Not only does Ehlert’s memoir celebrate the arts and inspire children to explore their own creativity, it is proof of the tangible rewards of pursuing one’s dreams. An excellent companion to her picture books, it would also be a great resource for introducing an art project based on some of her techniques.