PASS IT DOWN: FIVE PICTURE-BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 2007. Pass It Down: Five Picture-Book Families Make Their Mark. New York: Walker & Company ISBN 0802796004

PLOT SUMMARY
Leonard S. Marcus introduces the reader to five famous picture-book families and reveals how sometimes artistic ability is inherited and at times can be encouraged and developed with family support. The book includes biographies, interviews, and artwork by The Crews and Jonas Family, The Hurd Family, The Myers Family, The Pinkney Family, and The Rockwell Family. Readers will understand that family traits can influence a person to choose a profession like that of their parents, such as writing and illustrating children’s books. Marcus states that creative parents who continue to encourage and support their children can shape their artistic abilities and can have a hand in passing their talent along to the next generation.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Marcus’ book, readers will find it interesting to see how family traits are inherited and how they can “pass down” they’re creative abilities to their children. He shows real-life photos of these famous families and some of their artistic work. He chronicles their life stories by also sharing personal memories and interviews. The reader really gets a sense of who these great children’s book creators are and will recognize that a parent’s influence along with inherited traits can develop who we may become.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
A Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews: “Fascinating…An outstanding work about the connections between parents and children, editors and artists and readers and writers.”

Library Journal: Grade 4 Up—Marcus presents the events and circumstances that have resulted in five picture-book dynasties. Each chapter includes biographical information about the subjects that zeroes in on the salient pieces that nurtured artistic growth and includes numerous quotes from the authors/illustrators themselves. The featured families are Donald Crews, Ann Jonas, and Nina Crews; Clement and Edith Hurd and Thacher Hurd; Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers; Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney; and Harlow and Anne Rockwell and Lizzy Rockwell. Marcus carefully makes the point that, although perhaps blessed with some inherited talent and encouraged by their parents, all of the children pursued their art with diligence and have emerged with their own unique styles. Marcus's writing is, as usual, tight but lively, and each chapter is liberally laced with photographs, preliminary sketches, and final art. The book will be of interest to those readers who enjoy getting behind the scenes of the books they love.

CONNECTIONS
Side by Side: Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams go to Work Leonard S. Marcus ISBN 0802796168
Genealogy activity: Children can research their family history and create a family tree.