Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books

"Lucky, lucky reader. Be glad it's not 1726," begins this effervescent tribute to publisher John Newbery. Back then, writes Markel (Hillary Rodham Clinton), children read "preachy poems and fables," but Newbery strove to publish exciting children's stories, a prospect that frightened parents: "Many mums and dads worried that if their little nippers read fun books, they'd turn wild as beasts!" In graceful pen-and-ink illustrations, Carpenter (Dear Mr. President) captures a bustling London, as children tear through the streets with piles of Newbery's books ("The children gobbled them up like plum cakes"); at one point Newbery himself makes a cameo in his "smash hit," The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes. Weathered-looking typography offers a visual nod to the printing theme, and Markel's enthusiastic narration pays its own homage to Newbery's belief that children should have "delightful books of their own." Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Anna Olswanger, Olswanger Literary. (Apr.)

K-Gr 2--This winning picture book takes on a subject that one wouldn't think, at first glance, would be of interest to modern-day audiences--a look at the life of an 18th-century publisher and shopkeeper. But said publisher is none other than John Newbery, who embraced the teachings of John Locke and is credited with introducing the notion that children's books should be engaging and entertaining instead of strictly instructional and religious. We are all greatly in his debt. Markel's delightfully exuberant treatment follows Newbery's lead and presents the facts of his life in a wholly original and absorbing way, mixing evocative and richly detailed cartoon artwork, a playful use of typography, and visual and textual homages to his books and legacy. Carpenter relies on sepia ink, and the pages are digitally made to look old and weathered. Readers learn that Newbery was a savvy businessman, selling patented medicine, magazines, and toys in addition to his carefully selected books and was not at all assured that his ventures would succeed. "Will the parents buy them? Are they too...cheerful? The children gobbled them up like plum cakes." The back matter is fully sourced and extensive and includes biographical detail as well as descriptions of the books mentioned. VERDICT This title is a fun read-aloud with multiple curricular connections. A stellar introduction to "the father of children's literature," and a glorious example of dynamic bookmaking. Huzzah!--Luann Toth, School Library Journal