A book with a view | 5
It has been a long time since I’ve read a book by Judith Kerr. At least it was until last week.
There is a classic simplisity and unartistic element to her books, that help create their own memorable characteristic and style. I had forgotten how deceptively simple Kerr’s illustration is – from Mog (and the range of supporting cast) to the untiger-like tiger:
Look at the tiger who came to tea – it’s not really a tiger at all. Quentin Blake would have made it much funnier and Michael Foreman would have drawn it better. – Judith Kerr
It’s no surprise that Judith’s work is still popular. It owes nothing to the vagaries of style or fashion. Her warmth and humanity are timeless. – Michael Foreman
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I’m no expert and open to any/all recommendations – I’d love to find books that I’ve never come across – so if you have a suggestion, send it on.
February 16th, 2010 13:34
A book I remember being fascinated with as a child was ‘Ra Ta Ta Tam’, by Peter Nickl & Binette Schroeder. Hard to find now (I managed to get a German version off Amazon.de) but it’s a really strange little book. The pictures have a very otherworldly atmosphere that I remember feeling really drawn to. Not sure why it isn’t better known – maybe it looks too dated now… http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ra-ta-tam-Peter-Nickl/dp/3314012411/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266323422&sr=8-3
February 17th, 2010 13:55
I love the Tiger Who Came to Tea – the whole surreality of it, with that charmingly simple finale. And the art s is gorgeous. Much-loved round our way.
February 17th, 2010 19:38
Loved this book as a child. Have you heard of Fee Fo Fi Fum by Raymond Briggs? It’s one of his earlier books. Illustrations are gorgeous.
http://www.toonhound.com/briggsffff.htm
February 22nd, 2010 11:22
I love this idea. I only recently found out about Anthony Browne. My sister showed me two of his picture books. ‘Gorilla’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’. They’re so beautiful. All the wallpaper splendour and dark humour. The Guardian has a brilliant interview with him here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/jul/04/anthony-browne-interview
February 24th, 2010 00:09
@brabazon – I really like Schroeder’s work, it has a particular eerie feel to it. She was in Dublin a few years ago for a retrospective of her work – brilliant!
@Scalder – One of the undisputed champions. Glad the Tiger still has appeal.
@Janet – Raymond Briggs is next, just for you!
@Maeve – Thanks! Nice article find too.