Read All about It!: Great Read-aloud Stories, Poems, and Newspaper Pieces for Preteens and Teens

Read All about It!: Great Read-aloud Stories, Poems, and Newspaper Pieces for Preteens and Teens

By Jim Trelease

Contributor Jim Trelease

Edition: illustrated

Published by Penguin Books, 1993

ISBN 0140146555, 9780140146554

489 pages

From "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" to "Maniac Magee," sci-fi to op-ed, "Casey at the Bat" to a moving true story about the reunion of two Hololcaust survivors, this wonderfully diverse collection of excerpts from newspapers, magazines, and books has been created by Jim Trelease especially to turn young people on to the many pleasures of reading. Here are thought-provoking columns from Mike Royko and Pete Hamill; excerpts from classics like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Rikki-tikki-tavi"; autobiographical sketches by Maya Angelou, Moss Hart, and others, highlighting the imoportance of reading in their lives; and much more. With selections representing many different cultures, genres, writing styles, and interests, "Read All About It!" is a wonderful introduction to the riches of literature and to a lifetime of reading.

Second Interview with Ed Beard, Jr., Award-winning Fantasy Artist

The second weekend of
The Renaissance Faire in Wake Forest
is April 4 & 5, 2009

Visit Ed Beard Jr's Website

Describe the process of creating a dragon or wizard portrait.

The dragon can be looked at in several ways. It is often compared to a flying lizard or pteranodon, a giant chicken with wings or in the eastern culture more of a serpentine snake-like being. Whatever way you perceive the dragon is entirely open to debate. I personally think of a dragon as a combination of a reptile, horse and a bird or bat. With a basic understanding of the anatomy of each of these three creatures, I can combine appendages at certain skeletal junctures to create a functional, or at least somewhat believable, dragon.

How long does it take? Or, which one took the most time? Why?

Paintings that contain multiple figures and many different colors generally take far more time due to the color palette changes. I use acrylic paints therefore the drying time is faster than oils. Typically for a single figure dragon or wizard I will take from 10, to as many as 20, hours. When I am working on a more complex battle scene, it can take upwards of 100 hours, or more.

What inspires you?

I love mythology and legends in folklore, however many writers, such as Tolkien, have laid the base or ground for the imagination to expand from. I personally enjoy speaking with the public when I attend conventions and Renaissance Faires and getting the wide variety of concepts they offer.

Who or what was the most unusual (for you) inspiration for a fantasy work?

Not long ago I received an e-mail from a young collector from Florida. The commission request entailed creating a Red Dragon that epitomized this young man's battle with a chronic illness. The request described a Red Dragon trapped in a cave (representing the lack of a cure) with heavy chains around the neck, arms, and legs of the dragon just beginning to be broken (symbolizing the power to overcome this disease) and a break in the ceiling of the cave where light would come shining through that symbolized the hope of a cure. In the end, this was the most moving and inspirational work I have done using a dragon as the subject.

What inspires the skeletons of dragons?

I recently embarked on an instructional "How to Draw the Dragon" book project that I will be publishing, just as I did with "The Enchanted Realm, Art of Ed Beard Jr." art book that came out two years ago. In this book, I will take the reader from the anatomical skeletal structure, to the musculature and variety of scales and characteristics. I also will take the reader through the variety of species and their environment. The European or western dragon tends to have elements of the horse, reptile, and bird or bat skeletal anatomy.

What is the "back story" on your favorite dragon?

One of the dragons, that seems to be somewhat iconic for my work due to the fact that it has appeared on many different licensed products, is called "Bravery Misplaced". This is the classic portrayal of where the brave knight has underestimated his abilities when he comes around a bend and is face to face with a gigantic Dragon. The other dragon is entirely a different approach in that it shows an intellectual scholarly dragon sitting in his study transcribing the ancient tongue of his ancestors. This is titled "Ancient Dragon Scholar."

Who is your favorite wizard?

It would have to be Merlin as I am fond of Arthurian Legend.

Your favorite monster?

The werewolf has been a favorite of mine but I would also include other horror-type subjects like the headless horseman from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

Describe the most fantastic wings you have ever created. What inspired you or them?

The majestic nature of dragons incorporates the wings spread wide open. I have created two versions that I feel depicted this characteristic most effectively. The first is titled "Winter's Spirit" a celestial spirit Dragon that returns to its favorite perch from the heavens on a cool winter's night. The other is a crimson Red Dragon who has taken possession of a keep or castle and is powerfully perched upon the top of this castle looking down on a warrior who has requested access to this castle of treasures.

When you speak to a young artist (age 10 to 12), what advice do you give?

1. To study anatomy, light sources, perspective, and all of the nuts and bolts that are required for a good foundation in illustration. 2. Repetition and practice are the only way to master the skill. 3. To ignore anyone who attempts to tell them that Fantasy Art is a waste of talent or an invalid art form. 4. Have those negative individuals to visit my website if they are in doubt of the legitimacy of this amazing field.

When you speak to an artist in high school who wants to create fantasy art, what advice do you give?

Basically the same as the younger student, but with an emphasis on maintaining a tangible medium and not simply surrender to what is easier or more "efficient" as with digital programs. I remind them that creating a one-of-a-kind original painting that can be collected is a great source of income as well as sustaining the original art form. I further express how being able to do both digital and hand-painted work create a more sustainable career and a much better income.

When you speak in schools, who asks the best questions? What are some of the most interesting?

Definitely the grades 3 to 6. They are the least inhibited, and their minds are like a sponge calculating all of the most inquisitive questions imaginable. Once I was asked by a third grade student, "Have you ever painted a picture that you got stuck half way through and run out of ideas for?" or "How do you save a painting that you have made a mistake on without starting all over?"

In one case a fifth grade student asked whether I "have ever been stumped and not been able to imagine a scene, and just stare at the black canvas."

Define creativity.

The ability to take a thought or a concept and manifest it to a visual or auditory representation of that thought or idea. Music, art or literature are all conduits to communicating with one another; each is the vehicle for creative expression.

What great questions did I not ask?

What should be the role of an art teacher?

An art teacher should identify the student's strong and week points, then watch how the student approached the task at hand. Once these evaluations have been established, it is the teacher's job to find a way to utilize these natural tendencies of the student and direct and use those tendencies to improve the techniques of the student. A teacher should never attempt to mold the student into a clone of himself or herself. It is the job of a teacher to take the spark in that student and grow it into his or her own unique flower.

Medieval Art Story Starter A Royal Audience

This is a Karen's Whimsey Coloring Page.

Click Here
for
Love Coloring Pages - 3

Interview with Ed Beard, Jr., Award-Winning Fantasy Artist

I had the pleasure of meeting Ed and his wife Kelly at
The Renaissance Faire in Wake Forest,
March 28, 2009
VISIT HIS WEBSITE

Here's a Review:
I have been collecting and selling fantasy art for several years
at my store Mark's Comics & Collectibles in New York.
I have dealt with Ken Kelly, Larry Elmore, Clyde Caldwell, Brom,
R.K. Post, Luis Royo, and too many others to name.
I own originals from all of them. Out of all the artists I know and have dealt with,
I have only asked one to do a commission for me. You guessed it, Ed Beard Jr.
I gaze at both the original painting as well as the original pencil as I type
this review, and I am still awed by the them. I am biased,
but I feel the painting he did for me, "Valkyries Raid",
is the best he has ever done, and that is what you want in a commission.
I loved it so much, I recommended to a friend to commission
Ed to do one for him as well. His is called "Sword of Solaris",
and I know he was overjoyed with it as well. Make sure you contact
Ed if you are even thinking of asking about a commission.
You will not be disappointed. I have never met anyone else,
except for Larry Elmore, who can pick up a pencil or marker
and just draw like Ed can. I sat with Ed for hours at a convention once,
as well as at my dining room table, and watched him draw,
with no reference material, dragon after dragon, wizard after wizard,
and goblin after goblin and no 2 are the same and all were fantastic.
Ed is not just an artist, he is a personality.
Make sure you find time to go to a convention or a Ren Faire he will be at.
You will not be disappointed.
He is one of the most giving artist's with his time.
He will talk to you about anything and everything, not just art.
Artist, teacher, husband, father, and friend,
"Ed Beard Jr." the true renaissance man.
by Mark Aronowitz

We had a great chat about the role of art in literacy
and
the creative process.
He agreed to an interview.
This is Part 1 of 2. Enjoy!
Sharon

What role does art play in the enjoyment of fantasy literature?

Art and illustration play an even more significant role in fantasy literature because of the subjects that are often based upon myth or legend. It is the goal of the fantasy Artist to make that which is not of our realm appear believable or at least plausible. The challenge for the fantasy artist is to capture the essence of the written word and transform that concept into visual reality.

Is the role of fantasy art in young adult fiction different from the role of art, say, in picture books or chapter books?

In some cases the young adult fiction cover art may incorporate more graphic images, such as great peril or battle scenes, that may be a bit too aggressive for young readers. Creating images that are both appealing to a specific target age group, as well as unique and dynamic enough to draw the young reader's imagination, is always an invited challenge.

How do students say they come to fantasy art? For the art? For the literature?

In other words, for students, does art lead to literature, or does literature open the world of art?

It truly is a synchronistic process from the student's point of view. Students are engaged both visually and through the written word. However, the offspring to the marriage can be inspiring to seek out more visual stimulation. This in turn, more times than not, inspires great fiction. Sort of like the phrase "which came first the chicken or the egg".

What was the process of creating illustrations for novels?

Although not typical for most publishers, I prefer to work directly with the author, when I can, to get the first person interpretation of what the author feels is the pinnacle moment or scene of the book that best summarizes or focuses on the topic. The key is to not give away too much in the image that may be obvious to the faithful readership especially if the book is in a series. I never want to spoil the plot before the reader digs into the book. The key to illustration and representational art is to capture what the author is essentially trying to communicate, yet maintain the artist's own unique perspective.

Has a writer ever been inspired by your art and created a work around it?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I host many young authors (age 18 and younger) on my website. They choose a painting that I have created entirely in my own mind's eye, and they create a short story about the image. After review of the submission, I publish the short story along side the art offered in my website via a link. Lit Link Bravery Misplaced

Lit Link Winter's Spirit

Speak about inspiration versus perspiration in your creation of art.

Before I actually begin to lay out my pencils, paper, paints and canvas, (yes I am old school in that I actually prefer real tangible mediums over digital programs) I spend a great deal of time researching any possible connections with the real world such as history, legends, myth and folk lore. Although ideas come to me often through trying to create an even more interesting version of the last Dragon or Wizard I have painted from my imagination, referring to something that people can relate to is what connects the viewer to the world I am trying to portray. Once I have the basic concept locked in my imagination, I proceed to put it on paper. Once I have a detailed rendering of the image, I then decide on a color palette. The actual painting takes me on a journey of its own in many cases. I am often amazed at the direction and end result of a painting, as it developed from a B/W line drawing to a full-color finished painting.

Why do you continue visiting schools?

Aside from the fact that children need to have a passionate, motivated person to inspire them to consider art and the legitimacy it can offer as a future career, I feel a great sense of obligation to share my experiences and blessings. In addition, young people are often full of wonderment and not afraid to ask the tough questions. I get just as much out of a day at the Book Faire as the students do.

To what factors do you attribute your success?

I think that the key to any creative-based career, whether it be music, art or theater, requires a combination of qualities and characteristics. I was blessed to have been given the eye and imagination to create. I then had the passion to hone my skills and put in the work necessary to bring it to the market place. Then I had the burning drive to accomplish what I wanted in the life of a Fantasy artist and illustrator. The final ingredient was to be able to connect with people and nurture a collector's audience that enjoyed collecting my work and wanted to share in that journey as well. So, in short, hard work and practice, passion and drive and good communication with those who like what I do.

Enchanted Realm, the Art of Ed Beard, Jr.

Ed Beard Jr.'s first Art Book. Inside this amazingly detailed book you will find over 200 images! This book has 98 pages and includes; in-depth discussion about technique, the artist's roots in fantasy art, creating visual reality from creative written fiction, creating dragons, fey folk and monsters that are based in Myth and Lore.

Inside you will find many familiar published works of Ed's from Tolkien to Magic: The Gathering and even never before seen and unpublished art. Over 80 images in full color! Foreword by Legendary Fantasy Artist Larry Elmore.

Fantasy Artist Ed Beard, Jr.

Calling all Young Adult Readers

interested in Fantasy!

Ed has illustrated for Tolkien Lord of the Rings products
and other fantasy novel authors.

"Art is far more than just the end result of a visual image,

it's the journey one takes to get there along with

the unique tangible product made from hand Craftsmanship

that is produced that completes the task!"~ Ed Beard Jr.

At the Renaissance Faire in Wake Forest, NC
on Saturday, March 28, 2009,
I had the pleasure of meeting Ed and his lovely wife Kelly.

Ed had always been inspired by the masters of the Renaissance Period,


and he created this image at age 11. He studied
anatomical physiology and other medical anatomical applications
to better understand the human body.

Ed is an accomplished fantasy artist who has been creating
dragons, monsters, and just about every image of a creature
you could imagine, for over 25 years.

Ed Beard Jr. is the most successfully licensed
Dragon and Wizard fantasy artist with the most diverse selection
of products using his art in the world.
With over 1000 licensed images manufactured by
over 100 companies world wide,
Ed is a household name in fantasy.

Have you downloaded the Fantasy Art Dragons and Wizards
content or wallpaper from Verizon?
Do you own a Dragon calendar from TideMark
from the past five years or have a Mountain Corporation
fantasy T-Shirt from the past 9 years?
Or maybe you've seen a Heaven and Earth
Designs and Essentials fantasy cross stitch pattern?

Ed has agreed to an interview with me
about the role of art in literacy and
his experiences in speaking with
students in schools. We'll also chat about
creativity and the creative process,
dragon skeletal structure
and wing musculature.

Visit his website!