From: Kathleen Horning <horning>
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 10:03:49 -0500

Chris Raschka certainly takes the concept of "new voices" to a new level with his entirely original approach to the art of the picture book. I must admit that I sometimes feel his books are over my head (e.g. I didn't realize his book "Like Likes Like" was a gay love story till I heard him talk about it!), but I do appreciate that his publishers and children's publishing in general finds room for artistic experimentation.

Another picture book artist pushing the envelope these days in terms of style is R. Gregory Christie, illustrator of "Palm of My Heart,"
"DeShawn Days," and "Only Passing Through." I've noticed that his abstract art style can make some people uncomfortable, particularly the way he paints the human figure. But I, for one, am very appreciative of the opportunity to see his fine art in picture books.


Kathleen T. Horning, Acting Director Cooperative Children's Book Center University of Wisconsin-School of Education 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 North Park St. Madison, WI 53706

horning at education.wisc.edu Voice: 608&3721 Fax: 608&2I33 www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/
Received on Mon 21 Oct 2002 10:03:49 AM CDT