From: Kathleen Horning <horning>
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 08:18:55 -0500

Judy O'Malley made reference to Anthony Browne as a risk taker in the field of children's literature because he imbeds references to other artists' works in his illustrations without explanation. I agree that Browne is a risk take for that reason ? as well as others.

I think that one the books with which he took a big risk was his version of "Hansel and Gretel" published by Julia MacRae in 1981. Just by setting this familiar folktale in modern times, he makes it seem so much scarier than picture books versions set in an earlier time. There's nothing more jolting that the bottle of Oil of Olay on the stepmother's dresser! Also, his subtle visual suggestions throughout that the stepmother and the witch are one and the same add an extra layer of psychological meaning.

Are there other books by Anthony Browne that you find risky?

Kathleen T. Horning (horning at education.wisc.edu) Cooperative Children's Book Center University of Wisconsin-School of Education 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 North Park St. Madison, WI 53706 608&3930 FAX: 608&2I33
Received on Wed 14 Jun 2000 08:18:55 AM CDT