Uncle Andy's

Uncle Andy’s. James Warhola. Illus. by James Warhola. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2003. 32 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-399-23869-7. Grades K-3.

Reminds Me Of…

I don’t know if my teachers didn’t know about junior biographies when I was in elementary school or what, but I wasn’t introduced to famous authors and artist until I was much older. If books like Uncle Andy’s were given to me as a child I may have been a famous artist! That probably isn’t true, since I have very little artistic ability, but I do think that my interests would have taken shape from a much younger age and/or my general knowledge based would be better rounded. Uncle Andy’s is a great book because it introduces an American art icon and some of his famous works while framing the information in the view of a child. James’ first hand account took place when he was little so children his age will be able to put themselves in his shoes, understand the writing and really get it. The story of his inspiration will also encourage children to follow their dreams and recognize and possibly pursue art in the every day world. This title reminded me of other biographies I have, specifically related to the arts. Some of them are Action Jackson by Jan Greenburg and Sandra Jordan about Jackson Pollack; Frida ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand; Diego Bigger Than Life also written by Carmen T Bernier-Grand but illustrated by David Diaz. Although not a painter, Gertrude Stein was an artist of words and knew and advised many artists, so I feel Jonah Winters’ Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude would be another appealing title for someone who enjoyed Uncle Andy’s. There is also the LGBTQ link between Uncle Andy’s and Gertrude is….