Who doesn’t love Snoopy and Charlie Brown and all those little people in Peanuts? Want to meet the author behind these wonderful characters? Born To Draw Comics is the Story of Charles Schultz.
What I Am Reviewing
Born to Draw Comics: The story of Charles Schultz.
Ginger Wadsworth
Craig Orback (illustrator)
Christy Ottaviano Books
Received: softcover ARC
History, Biography, Comics, Children, Art, Children’s Art, picture book
40 Pages, full colour
Ages 4-8
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books.
As a child, Charles split his free time between adventures outdoors with his friends and dog Spike, and daydreams and doodles inspired by the comics he loved to read. He longed to become a professional cartoonist, but saw his dreams deferred by unexpected challenges that laid ahead: military deployment to the European front of World War II, and the heartbreak of a family tragedy back home. Even so, Charles never lost sight of the hopeful joy of his early years and his love for Spike, both of which inspired PEANUTS. The comic strip went on to become the most popular and influential in comics history.
The Details
Even though this book is geared to students in grades 1 & 2, I would have no hesitation recommending it to any student interested in the life of Charles Schultz. The mixed panel format along with full colour images and a good storyline makes for an informative read.
Interspersed throughout are individual images and scenes that “Sparky” Schultz drew. The text was well done, drawing us into the life of Charles as a child.
You will find yourself drawn into his story, relishing the details of what made his life what it was. It was not always an easy life, but he had a boyhood filled with delights! He shared those delights in his comic strip Peanuts.
Should you Get it?
I really liked this book, delving into the life of Charles Schultz. It was a joy to see his love of drawing and his wide circle of activities. Drawing wasn’t the only thing he had going on his life, but as he put “he was born to draw comic strips”. Born to Draw Comics is an excellent introduction into his life for sure.
If you are studying Charles “Sparky” Shultz, or interested in learning about comic strips and their creators, Born to Draw Comics would be a good addition to your study.
I had a friend who was a cartoonist – he loved Charles Schultz. I remember hearing many times about his meeting Mrs. Schultz. If I was still in touch with my friend, I would totally recommend he check out this book.
it’s too bad you are not in still in touch. I dislike losing touch with friends.
Biographies are always appealing to me, though comics are not. I can very much see this being a wonderful book, though. Miss L is always fascinated by the comics pages in the newspaper. I imagine she would enjoy this book quite a lot.
I enjoyed this one. I still don’t understand how you don’t like the comics, I love them! Miss L has good taste! 🙂