Maxfield Parrish

Gr 3—6—This brief picture-book biography attempts to introduce Parrish to a new generation. Harris gives a cursory account of his subject's childhood in the late 1800s as the son of artist parents, his training in America and France, and his success as a book illustrator and print artist. The text is sprinkled with direct quotations from Parrish's letters to friends and family, which gives it some interest, but Harris's writing, overall, lacks sparkle. Black-and-white photographs of people and places in Parrish's life and color reproductions of some of his most famous works for children are included. The photos and illustrations are large enough to see clearly, but the unimaginative page layout and typesetting give the book a blocky feeling. Unlikely to have much appeal to children in general, this work may be of interest to report writers. It may also be a useful companion to some of Parrish's illustrated books, including The Knave of Hearts (Calla Editions, 2008).—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT