One of my favorite author/illustrators is Henry Cole. He has illustrated many books for authors and has written and illustrated his own books. I first was introduced to Henry Cole when my parents attended a Reading Conference in Maryland. He and Pamela Duncan Edwards were two of the presenters. My parents know how much I love children’s literature, so they came home with an autographed copy of Ed & Fred Flea. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. I just loved the story and the illustrations. Not to mention the fact that is was autographed by both the author and illustrator. It is still a prized possession of mine. Henry Cole and Pamela Duncan Edwards teamed up for many great books over the years. One book that my students just loved from this duo was Some Smug Slug. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. What they liked best about this book was the hidden “S” in all of the pictures. We had so much fun looking for them. The best part was when we tried to illustrate our own pictures with a hidden letter.
Henry Cole has also teamed with other authors, including Erica S. Perl and Margie Palatini. These collaborations have proven just as successful, in my opinion, as with Pamela Duncan Edwards. My favorite books from Palatini and Cole is Moosetache and Mooseltoe. These are both about a moose with an out of control mustache. Right now kids love anything to do with mustaches! My two favorite from Perl and Cole are Chicken Butt and Chicken Butt’s Back! I think the titles speak for themselves! My kids always ask for these to be read aloud again and again!
Henry Cole has also written and illustrated his own books. His chapter book A Nest For Celeste has been a big hit at my school. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. My school was so lucky because in February 2013 Henry Cole visited. We got to watch him draw Celeste. It was interesting because he showed the students how music is a big influence in his drawing. When he drew Celeste for us the music was very mellow and calming. When he played a more up tempo melody, the drawing was very whimsical with two animals playing instruments.
Henry Cole shared a lot of advice to with the students while he visited. One of my favorite pieces of advice was that he always brought his clipboard with paper and pencil case with him wherever he went. Henry Cole told the students that this is because it didn't need any wires or batteries. So he could always be working on developing characters or working on illustrations. The other piece of advice was to come up with many ideas and to keep revising until it is correct.
Two of my favorites that Henry Cole has written and illustrated himself are On Meadowview Street. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This book such a great story to show if you want something, sometimes you have to go out and take the first step yourself. The other book that I love is a book that was just published this year, Big Bug. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This is a very simple book that shows students the concept of scale. I can see it being used a lot in an art classroom.
If I had to pick my absolute favorite book that Henry Cole has done, that would have to been Unspoken: A Story From The Underground Railroad. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This is a wordless picture book that just takes my breath away every time I read it. Henry’s illustrations are so powerful and so detailed that I find myself discovering new things with every reading.
If you ever have the opportunity to host Henry Cole at your school I highly recommend it! He is an awesome presenter who keeps kids of all levels engaged and even kept our teachers engaged. All of my teachers spoke to me afterwards and thanked me for bring him to our school. You can visit Henry Cole’s website at www.henrycole.net.
Today's post was written by Stacey Hazuda. This school year is Stacey's 18th in education. Before she became a Media Specialist, she was a classroom teacher for 6 years. Stacey has been a Media Specialist for 12 years- 1 year at the high school level and 11 years in an elementary school. Stacey says she's always loved to read and is not happy unless she has a few books started. In the past few years Stacey has begun to blog, which she really enjoys. Her blog is called The Library Gals. You can also connect with Stacey on Twitter: @libraryjo92.
Kim Norman says
I adore Henry! He illustrated my book, I KNOW A WEE PIGGY, and I'm hoping he'll do another for me sometime soon. (Just need to find the right story for him!) Henry & I co-presented at a children's writers conference last fall and boy, was he a touch act to follow. He's hilarious! By the way, Jocelyn, I'm taking your Flipped Lifestyle course right now and learning so much. You and Shane are such amazing teachers.
Jocelyn says
Thanks, Kim! Glad you're enjoying the course. 🙂