Bruce Robertson (4) (1955–)

Who would have thought that bookmaking would so capture my children's imaginations? Sure, they love books, but I thought it was just the stories inside that intrigued them.

Both Bruce Robertson's words and Kathryn Hewitt's illustrations captivated both my 11yo daughter and my nearly 7yo son....and me, to be honest. I read aloud to my children almost daily, and finding a book that is a joy for me to read makes that practice much more pleasant. We enjoyed the amount of detail Robertson goes into describing the ink-making process, and that he uses the terms "vermilion" and "lapis lazuli" (rather than just "minerals" as another book we read did). I'm going to have to keep an eye on the eggs in our fridge in case my children get the idea to emulate Marguerite.

I also loved that we got to follow Marguerite around as she gathered supplies from around Paris. My kids were not impressed, however, when I completed the first sentence of the book---"In a small house in Paris..."---with "...that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines."

Like I said, I read aloud a lot, and the old favorites have a way of sticking in my mind.… (mehr)

Set in Paris in the 1400s, this engaging work of historical fiction for the picture-book set follows the story of Marguerite, daughter of Papa Jacques, one of the most renowned book-makers in the city. Growing older, with failing eyesight, Marguerite's father struggles to finish his latest commission - a beautifully illuminated Book of Hours intended for his patroness, the Lady Isabelle. When an accident puts him out of commission for a time, Marguerite steps in to finish the last few pages of the book, doing such an excellent job that her father introduces her as his most talented assistant.

With illustrations that perfectly match the theme of the story - I loved the decorative borders on many of the pages, and appreciated both the vivid colors used throughout, and the general beauty of each scene, whether on the streets on Paris or in Marguerite's father's workshop - and an appealing heroine who steps up when facing a challenge, Marguerite Makes a Book manages to be beautiful, educational and entertaining. Children will learns quite a bit about book-making in late medieval times, before the invention of the printing-press, and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in book illustration, while also enjoying a story about a girl who helps her beloved father, when he is in need. A glossary at the rear gives the definition of many of the terms used in the story, adding another educational dimension to the book. I did wonder about the issue of gender, and whether girls ever did follow their fathers into their respective trades in real life - it would have been nice to have an afterword discussing this - but leaving that aside, this was an outstanding book! Recommended to young readers who enjoy historical fiction, are interested in medieval Europe, or are curious about book-making in times past.… (mehr)