A Child of Books

Product Information

Sam: A lot of things get lost or mis-conveyed in screen communication, and when it comes to subtle or sensitive amendments — which this book had a lot of — it only really worked when we were together in the room. So I think the images became harmonious because of that. It's a sensational treasure. One must see it - feel it - touch it - spend time with it. I'm not sure who will have more fun -the parent or the child - exploring this book... The NSW Department of Education is committed to employing the best and brightest teachers who can teach and make a difference in NSW public schools. Sam: We began by identifying threads from our previous projects that would complement one another and we made some rudimentary sketches by combining Oliver’s figurative images and my typographic work. This led to further and further refinements until by the end of the project many images were so entwined, it was difficult to say where one artist’s work ended and the other’s began. Although the love comes shining through, the text often confuses in straining for patterned simplicity.

Winston has exhibited his work in museums and galleries around the world. Tate Britain, the British Library, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., MoMA NYC and Stanford University, among many others, all hold his artists’ books in their permanent collections. He lives and works in London. As a little girl and little boy are sailing the world together .....discovering treasures in darkness, traveling over mountains of make- believe....etc........ Sam Winston’s practice is concerned with language both as a carrier of messages, but also as a form in and of itself. Initially known for his typography and artist books he employs a variety of different approaches, including drawing, data mapping and poetry.Oliver: We imagined the characters of our story to play two very different roles. The first is the Child of Books, who knows the secrets of literature and imagination. The second child needs to be shown the way. The second child perhaps represents timid readers who have not yet been bitten by the bug of literature. I like to imagine that the adults who read this book to children might take on the role of the Child of Books, guiding the young readers into this world of text. Elegant illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are accompanied by Sam Winston’s astonishing typographical landscapes, beautifully shaped from excerpts of children’s classics including Treasure Island, Little Women and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, creating a gorgeous gift book perfect for readers of all ages, and this year’s must-have Christmas gift. How did you meld your styles, and what was that work process like logistically? Did it change course from beginning to end?

What kinds of reactions do you hope this book will inspire, not just in children, but also adults who share it with young readers or need it for themselves? A young girl reader helps a boy discover the imaginative art of stories in this insightful, intertextual ode to literary curiosity. Harry (11): 4 1/2 stars. Everything was made of words, which I liked, and the last bit of the book was just CRAZY! NSW Department of Education's information on curriculum taught in NSW schools, Aboriginal education and communities & personalised support.Sam: Books create a very visceral and sensual experience and that combined with imaginative ideas, that combination, is a very compelling introduction to learning and creativity. The Information Age has also turned out to be the age of infinite distraction, and I certainly see books as a contemporary tool by which we can remedy some of that — especially in creating a focused way of entertaining and teaching ourselves. An ocean of words takes us on an adventure filled with treasures, castles, monsters, and wonder. So much wonder! The words and art created by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston will take readers on a beautiful journey of imagination and inspiration. This captivating children’s book follows a young girl as she takes a little boy on an adventure by opening his imagination. She teaches him that you don’t need to travel the world to have adventures, you can travel right from where you are sitting with the aid of books, as books are the perfect tools for letting your imaginative side flow freely.

This stunning visual poem, about the way the fantasy worlds of children's books create the fabric of the grown-up mind, is also, as Jeffers is keen to remind me, a story about a boy and a girl who go on an adventure . Like all of his works, A Child of Books is for everyone and not just kids. The Irish Times A lavish and uplifting celebration of the wonders of a limitless imagination and the power of the written word. An unforgettably inspiring read for all ages. Little London Oliver's elegant art is combined with Sam's astonishing typographical landscapes beautifully shaped from excerpts of children s classics and lullabies to create a celebration of all that books can do and all that books can become, and to encourage readers of all ages to have an immersive and unforgettable reading experience that they will want to pass on to others. About This Edition ISBN:power and promise of storytelling. Forty treasured children's classics and lullabies are featured in the pictures, providing endless opportunities for discovery, memories, and sharing". A groundbreaking, inspiring and hauntingly beautiful story from picture book giant Oliver Jeffers and typographic fine artist Sam Winston. This magical and unforgettable book is a completely unique reading experience, blending illustration and the printed and written word like never before. A Child of Books will encourage readers of all ages to question, to explore and to imagine - an infinite reminder of what books are, and all that they can do. Ni4Kids Sam: In the beginning, when we were still exploring each other’s work, one of the projects we gravitated toward was a book I had made called Orphan, which had a character in it whom we both felt an affinity to. This character seemed to be speaking to the both of us — so we talked further about who this character might be or become and we decided to give her a name — a Child of Books. A pervasive element to this project was trust. We trusted that when we sat down in a room something would come, and we trusted in each other’s practices and the quality of the work we had previously made.

From New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers, creator of The Day the Crayons Quit and Lost and Found, and typographical artist Sam Winston comes an exceptional new picture book. The illustrations have been created with text from other children’s books, including Pinocchio, Rapunzel, Swiss Family Robinson and my favourite, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The text has been used to visually take you on the journey, alongside the hand written storyline. From the forest of fairy tales to the mountains of monsters, this book brings together numerous children’s books both old and new. Oliver: A Child of Books is truly a celebratory venture. It was the opportunity for two bookmakers to pay homage to the history of literature at large and the potential that it engenders in us all. Our work is shaped by, and built on, the books that we were exposed to as children. We wanted to pay homage to those stories that impacted and influenced us. Information about working in or operating early childhood education services including outside school hours care. Plus, information for parents including how to choose a service and supporting your child for their transition to school.Sam: Both Oliver and myself wanted this book to celebrate some of the great imaginations of the past, yet also (hopefully) inspire new generations to come. We wanted this book to be an invitation for people into finding their own voices and their own stories.