Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books written by by Michelle Markel (Author), Barbara McClintock (Illustrator) I received in exchange for this review. Also you will find out Back-To- School Gift Guide 2023: Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books is in side if at this is a wonderful gift for teachers. This is a ChronicleKids.com book.
Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books Charlie and I had fun looking at the front cover of the book which reminds me of a Norman Rockwall painting. Or a scene from an old Western TV Show. Turn the book over and look at the little boy drawing he reminded me of Charlie.
Charlie loved the word Tomfoolery, and he has been saying this over and over. We added the word to our Homeschool Spelling List. Then we sat down to read the book in our reading class. Charlie enjoyed the illustrations, and the storyline kept us on the edge of our seats. Charlie loved learning about the 1850’s which we can study in our history class.
As well as studying Randolph Caldecott in or art class. Charlie and I enjoyed the adventures we were able to go on through this book. Like a lot of dads, he doesn’t approve of his son’s art and gets Randolph a job in a bank. Keep reading because he doesn’t stay at the bank. To find out where he sold illustrations at you will need to read Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children’s Books/
Now were in London and he is attending events and drawing pictures. He misses home and ends up drawing himself as a cartoon. Randolph illustrates a travel book and home decor. Then a Sculptor teaches him to sculpt in clay. Then Randolph gets sick and ends up in bed. Then he is asked to create books for children.
There is joy and action in the characters. It’s been over 150 years and Artists are still using his style of illustrating which I wish I could do. How about you? Charlie and I liked finding out this book contains reproductions of Randolph’s own art and the pages the art is on. There is a list of his books Charlie, and I can’t wait to check out.
About:
Meet Randolph Caldecott, the artist who revolutionized picture book illustration and for whom the prestigious Caldecott medal is named! From acclaimed picture book creators Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock comes a lively, humorous, and energetically informative biography that celebrates the spirit of storytelling in art.
Quick! If you don’t move fast, you’re going to miss him—there he goes—Randolph Caldecott, future famous illustrator. His sketchbook is full of hurly burly: wild weather, frisky animals, and people so sprightly they can barely hold onto the pages. But in the 1850s, there are no children’s books like that. Not yet.
Many books are published, but their pictures look stiff, full of pretty poses and cluttered scenery. No one has imagined how much fun an illustrated book could be—because the future hero of children’s book illustration is still just a lad. Join Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock for a riotous adventure through the seminal history of children’s books—their art, their joy, and the man who changed them for good.
[Tomfoolery noun: silliness, shenanigans, buffoonery, skylarking, or pranks]
FASCINATING TRUE STORY: This picture book biography introduces readers to the man who redefined children’s books, transforming the reading experience of people all around the world! Anyone who loves history, biographies, or books for children will find themselves charmed by this lively look at the life of Randolph Caldecott.
WHIMSICAL AND ENGAGING: Full of verve and fun, humor and dynamic vocabulary, this book is history with pure delight, sure to engage even the most reluctant readers!
FUN AND INSPIRING GIFT: With compelling visual storytelling and an inspiring role model for aspiring writers, illustrators, and creatives, this picture book makes a great gift for any giving moment.
PERFECT FOR MOCK CALDECOTTS: Teachers and librarians who introduce the Caldecott Medal and its voting process to kids will find this invaluable as an introduction to looking at, thinking about, and celebrating art.
Perfect for:
- Anyone who loves or wants to learn more about children’s books
- Librarians, educators, and parents of history-loving kids
- Aspiring picture book writers and illustrators of any age
- Lovers of true stories, biographies, and fascinating facts
About the Author: Michelle Markel
Michelle is the acclaimed author of nonfiction books for young readers, including THE FANTASTIC JUNGLES OF HENRI ROUSSEAU, BRAVE GIRL: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909, and BALDERDASH!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books. Most recently she modernized Eleanor Roosevelt’s WHEN YOU GROW UP TO VOTE, and written HANUKKAH HAMSTER, a picture book. She lives with her family in Woodland Hills, California.
You can find out more about Michelle by visiting her website at
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
