Summary
A biography introducing children to pop art icon Andy Warhol. The book tells of Andy growing up in Pittsburgh. He was often sick as a child and spent a lot of time reading comic books and drawing pictures. He studied art in college and then moved to New York where he got his first job illustrating for a magazine. He was an eccentric man who wore sloppy clothes and a white wig. Andy became famous when he started painting everyday objects, such as a Campbell's soup can. Includes a timeline of Warhol's life.APA Reference
Christensen, B. (2011). Fabulous! A portrait of Andy Warhol. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.Impressions
I think this is a nice introduction to Warhol; appropriately written for the intended age group. It explains Warhol's difficulties as a child; growing up poor, overcoming illness, being bullied, and losing his father at an early age. Children with similar adversities may identify with the story and be encouraged by Warhol's success despite his hardships. The author mentions Warhol's eccentricities as well as his fame. The book includes an end note from the author revealing little known facts about Warhol: he helped the homeless, went to church regularly, lives with his mother most of his life, and possible had dyslexia or Asperger's syndrome. I like the illustrations, but it would have been nice to have reproductions of Warhol's art in the book. The timeline at the end of the book includes the 1968 shooting of Warhol by a deranged women. I'm glad the author included this in the book without making it a focal point within the story. It's an important fact of Warhol's life, but details of the event are not necessary considering the intended age group.
Professional Review
The “fabulous” life of Andy Warhol is made accessible and understandable via this child-friendly look at the life and career of one of America’s most recognizable painters.
Shy, sickly Andy spent many lonely hours resting in bed. Warhol’s mother understood his uniqueness, and instead of forcing him to attend school, stand up to bullies or play sports, she unfailingly nurtured his talents and accepted and supported his interests. Andy attended art classes at the Carnegie Museum art school in Pittsburgh and was encouraged by teachers who also recognized his promise. Comics, movie magazines, glamorous superstars and luminous icons from his Eastern Orthodox parish church fueled his imagination. Christensen effectively re-imagines Warhol’s unmistakable style for 21st-century kids while offering a developmentally appropriate take on Warhol’s life. She focuses on his early graphic work and the exciting, transformative era of Pop Art. She conveys the explosive impact of his Campbell’s soup cans and Marilyn as she discretely limns the early activities of “The Factory.”
Though readers will need to consult the backmatter for the details of the more complex and tumultuous years from the mid-’60s to his death in 1987, they will find this a vital and exciting child-appropriate introduction to an American icon. (Picture book/biography. 6-9)
Shy, sickly Andy spent many lonely hours resting in bed. Warhol’s mother understood his uniqueness, and instead of forcing him to attend school, stand up to bullies or play sports, she unfailingly nurtured his talents and accepted and supported his interests. Andy attended art classes at the Carnegie Museum art school in Pittsburgh and was encouraged by teachers who also recognized his promise. Comics, movie magazines, glamorous superstars and luminous icons from his Eastern Orthodox parish church fueled his imagination. Christensen effectively re-imagines Warhol’s unmistakable style for 21st-century kids while offering a developmentally appropriate take on Warhol’s life. She focuses on his early graphic work and the exciting, transformative era of Pop Art. She conveys the explosive impact of his Campbell’s soup cans and Marilyn as she discretely limns the early activities of “The Factory.”
Though readers will need to consult the backmatter for the details of the more complex and tumultuous years from the mid-’60s to his death in 1987, they will find this a vital and exciting child-appropriate introduction to an American icon. (Picture book/biography. 6-9)
Library Use
Have students write down three facts they learned about Andy Warhol from this book, and then find 2 more facts through other sources. Through collaboration with the art teacher students can create paintings of everyday objects using the same pop-art style as Warhol. Display the art projects and research results together.Book cover image from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9921696-fabulous.
