In this picture book biography, Bryant's engaging prose and Sweet's stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who finds a way to...
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reviews
Mar 29, 2010
Erin
rated it: 
This book is intended for grades 3-6. A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams provides the conflicted occupational history of William Carlos Williams and his eventual decision to become a poet. It was a Caldecott Honor Book in 2009. Selected poems by Williams are on the endpapers of this book, set against a green background with linked squares. Thus, his poems serve as an entrance to his life. What is most wonderful about this book is the integration of text and illustration.
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4 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Oct 11, 2008
Roxanne Hsu
rated it:
Oh, how I absolutely
love this book
adore it
for its simple
informative text
admire it
for the collage and
water color illustrations
showing the time
the world and
the spirit of the poet
who was a doctor
who healed wounds
delivered babies
and soothed
our souls
love this book
adore it
for its simple
informative text
admire it
for the collage and
water color illustrations
showing the time
the world and
the spirit of the poet
who was a doctor
who healed wounds
delivered babies
and soothed
our souls
2 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Sep 28, 2011
Vivian
rated it:
Oh how I LOVE this book!!!!
One time, when my next younger sister was also my roomate along with eight other girls while we were undergrads, she left me a WCW poem in the freezer in place of the icecream sandwich I had been hoarding.
This is Just to Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so c More...
One time, when my next younger sister was also my roomate along with eight other girls while we were undergrads, she left me a WCW poem in the freezer in place of the icecream sandwich I had been hoarding.
This is Just to Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so c More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Oct 06, 2009
This book has very creative illustrations that all fit so well with the topic and theme of this book. The cover page looks like a book about a man with lots of words is on it, the end pages have poems, the title page has a type writer that says that it is the story of William Carlos Williams, and after the title page is a portrait of a man. There are good cues used in the peritext to indicate that this book is going to be about a writer named William Carlos Williams. The pictures are creative
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Jan 05, 2009
Barky
rated it: 
I was not aware of William Carlos Williams until I was well into my 20s. We never studied him in school, nor did I run across him in college. So, I wondered, when I first heard about this book, if I managed to remain ignorant about him for so long, what appeal could he possibly have for grade school kids? His style, however, is accessible and he looks at everyday objects and happenings with new eyes and wonder (just like kids!) – maybe his words *could* speak to kids.
The book be More...
The book be More...
Mar 13, 2011
Karen
rated it:
A nice autobiography of William Carlos Williams, who always had a musical ear and a penchant for writing poetry, and figured out early on that he wanted to write about ordinary things, unlike the subjects chosen by "the famous English writers he had learned about in school" (Bryant). What a cool thing about Williams. So often when you encourage kids to write, they say, "I've got nothing to write about," somehow dismissing the idea that you can write about what you know, wha
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Mar 27, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
I was drawn to this book not only because it would be a resource for my Language Arts class, but also because of the unique illustrations. The book will be a wonderful introduction to the poet William Carlos Williams. Jen Bryant has written a concise and clever biography of one of my favorite poets. Willie, as she called him in her book, was always interested in poetry; however, he chose to become a doctor because he knew poetry wouldn't pay the bills.
I love that he continued to More...
I love that he continued to More...
Nov 18, 2009
(NS) Amie
rated it: 
A River of Words follows the life of poet William Carlos Williams. From a very young age Williams wanted to write poetry, but knew he also needed to earn a living. He became a doctor, but spent much of his free time writing poetry. His poems are included throughout the story.
Even though this is a picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, I felt there were enough of his poems included to read it this week. Ever since I read The Red Wheelbarrow and This is Just to Say, I ha More...
Even though this is a picture book biography of William Carlos Williams, I felt there were enough of his poems included to read it this week. Ever since I read The Red Wheelbarrow and This is Just to Say, I ha More...
Feb 02, 2011
L11Beverly
rated it:
This story is a biography of the award winning poet/doctor, William Carlos Williams, that was awarded both the Caldecott and Charlotte Zolotow honor status in 2009 . The book describes the influences of his life including how he fell in love with poetry, yet chose to to pursue a more lucrative career, in addition to his writing. Williams poetry evolved from trying to copy other poet's styles to his own style in which he was influenced by everyday objects and focused his poems around them. The
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Jul 10, 2011
Kathryn
rated it:
The story of poet William Carlos Williams is beautifully and creatively illustrated as one might imagine from the Caldecott Honor it received. Be sure to read the illustrator's note; I hadn't realized that so many of illustrations are made on the covers of old books! Very neat! I'm not sure the story itself touched me emotionally as some other biographies have, but I appreciated how many of Williams' own poems were incorporated into both the text and illustrations and it's an inspiring story f
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3 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Jun 23, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Loved this beautiful children's book about William Carlos Williams! The story is lyrical and yet clearly told. The illustrations, however, are what I found enchanting about this book. The busy pictures incorporate a variety of materials and many of Williams' poems. I love that the book devotes so much time to Williams' childhood and his creative process.
In addition to incorporating poetry in the text and illustrations, the book pairs a Williams timeline with a world events time More...
In addition to incorporating poetry in the text and illustrations, the book pairs a Williams timeline with a world events time More...
0 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 27, 2011
Leah
rated it:
This picture book biography of poet William Carlos Williams is artfully done. The illustrations are beautifully done with mixed-media collage of colors and words, including snippets from several of Williams' poems. It also includes my favorite tidbit of information, that his many of his poems were shaped by his need to write them on prescription pads between patients. As befits the story of a poet, the text is lyrical and thoughtfully placed on the page. Needing to fit within the constraints of
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Apr 19, 2009
Cindy
rated it:
Willie loved the outdoors. In fact, he loved the outdoors so much, that when the other boys his age tired of playing sports, Willie stayed outside, wandering around alone, enjoying nature, watching everything. He spent time taking naps by the river, wandering through the woods, listening to the sounds of the wild world. As he grew older, he had to hurry in order to accomplish all of the things he wanted to do in a day, and still make time for himself. Just like he loved to listen to the soun
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May 20, 2009
Jamie
rated it:
When I spotted this in the library, I couldn't pass it by. A children's book about William Carlos Williams? What a crazy idea!
The book is a pleasant surprise. Jen Bryant has created an accessible bio of the poet that both details his life but also gives us a sense of what he wrote, how he wrote it, and why. Smartly, Bryant doesn't try to ape Williams' style, but she does revel in details much the same way her subject did. Likewise, artist Melissa Sweet adds collage elements to her dr More...
The book is a pleasant surprise. Jen Bryant has created an accessible bio of the poet that both details his life but also gives us a sense of what he wrote, how he wrote it, and why. Smartly, Bryant doesn't try to ape Williams' style, but she does revel in details much the same way her subject did. Likewise, artist Melissa Sweet adds collage elements to her dr More...
Feb 24, 2009
Candida
rated it:
2009 Caldecott Honor Book
I did not know anything about the poet William Carlos Williams until I read this book. It turns out that he won the National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize.
The illustrations were great. They were done in a scrapbook style and I liked the way that she used words in the pictures to convey Williams' train of thought when he was writing poetry throughout the book.
The text was also very good. I liked how the author emphasized Williams' love of poetry but a More...
I did not know anything about the poet William Carlos Williams until I read this book. It turns out that he won the National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize.
The illustrations were great. They were done in a scrapbook style and I liked the way that she used words in the pictures to convey Williams' train of thought when he was writing poetry throughout the book.
The text was also very good. I liked how the author emphasized Williams' love of poetry but a More...
Jun 26, 2010
Cammym
rated it:
This biographical picture book of poet William Carlos Williams has illustrations that are creatively composed using various mediums. Snippets of some of his poems are inserted into the illustrations and included on the end papers. It was interesting to learn that he was a medical doctor by trade and a poet on the side. The description of how he heard music and rhythm in everyday life, and how he became interested in poetry and came to the realization that his poems would be much more meaningf
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Jan 12, 2009
Jess
rated it:
It took me a few pages to settle into the style, but I ended up thinking that the illustrations were a great compliment to the text - and the poems that are included along with the biographical information. And wow, the blue spread with the excerpt from The Descent of Winter? I want that on my wall. I've always had mixed feelings towards Williams' poems, but this is a perfect format for presenting them. I'm not sure about the audience - kids who need to read a biography for school might not
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Nov 26, 2011
Sebin
rated it:
A picture book about a poet who loved to write! William Carlos Williams loved to write poetry ever since he was young but he needed to make a living so he chose a different career. However, he realized that writing was the only true thing he loved and enjoyed to do. This book would be perfect to teach students to chase after their dreams and choose a career path they would love to do. We can focus on why Williams had to choose a different path other than what he wanted and how that could have be
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Sep 13, 2009
Cheryl
rated it:
I found myself mesmerized by this biography of William Carlos Williams. Although it reads like a story, it does an amazing job of incorporating a large number of important aspects of the writer's life and his approach to the art of writing. The illustrations are complex and deserve a great deal of attention. I particularly liked how William Carlos Williams' poetry is embedded in the illustrations. Appropriate for second grade and higher.
Biography; 2008; Picture Book; ALA Notable Bo More...
Biography; 2008; Picture Book; ALA Notable Bo More...
Jan 14, 2012
dee
rated it:
The moon, the dried weeds
and the Pleiades---
Seven feet tall
the dark, dried weedstalks
make a part of the night
a red lace
on the blue milky sky
Write---
by a small lamp
The Pleiades are almost
nameless
and the moon is tilted
and half gone.
Loved this book. The illustrations are nothing short of genius. I have to honestly say I had not heard of this man so I really enjoyed the author's notes and the world eve More...
and the Pleiades---
Seven feet tall
the dark, dried weedstalks
make a part of the night
a red lace
on the blue milky sky
Write---
by a small lamp
The Pleiades are almost
nameless
and the moon is tilted
and half gone.
Loved this book. The illustrations are nothing short of genius. I have to honestly say I had not heard of this man so I really enjoyed the author's notes and the world eve More...
Sep 12, 2011
JaNeal
rated it:
This story of poet William Carlos Williams is simple and understated--kind of like Williams poems. That said, I wouldn't call the writing spectacular (though I couldn't say that about the poet's writing--he's considered one of the greatest of the 20th century).
I really chose to highlight this book because of the illustrations--they are WONDERFUL! Using vintage books--both pages and covers--the illustrator has pulled together a wonderful collage and visual story. It's a visual treat More...
I really chose to highlight this book because of the illustrations--they are WONDERFUL! Using vintage books--both pages and covers--the illustrator has pulled together a wonderful collage and visual story. It's a visual treat More...
Mar 29, 2009
Ningerbil
rated it:
Caldecott honor book. This is a nice reference book for a young student needing to do a biography of someone. It's short, pretty well narrated, and has a nice dateline in the back. It was neat for me reading this book, because I remember reading some of those poems when I was in grade school (particularly the one about the plum). Wasn't as crazy about the illustrations. I do like how the poems were woven into the background, but ... I don't know. Just didn't do too much for me. It struck me as c
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Dec 09, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
Genre: Children’s, Biographical, Poetry
Summary:
In telling the story of poet William Carlos Williams, this book takes full advantage of a variety of media to communicate the subjects and topics in Williams’ poetry. His words are interspersed throughout the story of his life, recentering the text on his poetry, mimicking the way Williams himself continually returned to his love of words.
In using mixed media, a depth and texture is added to each page, giving th More...
Summary:
In telling the story of poet William Carlos Williams, this book takes full advantage of a variety of media to communicate the subjects and topics in Williams’ poetry. His words are interspersed throughout the story of his life, recentering the text on his poetry, mimicking the way Williams himself continually returned to his love of words.
In using mixed media, a depth and texture is added to each page, giving th More...
Oct 01, 2009
Anna
rated it:
I picked this up because the illustrations looks amazing. And they were. I later saw this book at the Art Institute of Chicago's exhibit for Caldecott award winners. The story is pretty lengthy for a three-year old so it might be better for older kids. I loved reading it so much that my son asked me, "Why do you like this book so much?" It was fun to learn about a poet since I'm not a big poetry fan. It also brought back memories because I remember clearly learning about one of his poe
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Jun 03, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
A River of Words is a book to be read slowly - you need time to take in all the details of Melissa Sweet's illustrations. Sweet used watercolor, collage and mixed media to create pictures where every bit seems intentional and meaningful. The illustrations vary from visual expressions of Williams' poems to vignettes of his life. The text and illustrations interpret Williams' life at a level that lower grade school students can understand and relate to, although readers from upper grade school (an
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Mar 12, 2009
Natalie
rated it:
This is a biography. Everyone knows biographies are supposed to be dry enough to choke a camel and that biographies are all about the timeline and footnotes. A River of Words is an exception. It has all the accoutrements of a proper children's work of nonfiction but with a style done in a lyrical homage worthy of a poet. Unfortunately, I barely noticed any of that since I couldn't avert my eyes from the illustrations to read the actual text.
Illustrator Melissa Sweet created playful m More...
Illustrator Melissa Sweet created playful m More...
Mar 16, 2009
Josephine
rated it:
I was so excited when A River of Words came out because I love William Carlos Williams' poetry, and I've always thought that his use of the everyday, ordinary happenings and objects in our lives makes his work accessible to kids.
A River of Words tells the story of William Carlos Williams' upbringing, his choice to become a doctor, his friendships with other modernist poets like Ezra Pound, and H.D. The intricate illustrations merge the inspiration he found all around him (water, past More...
A River of Words tells the story of William Carlos Williams' upbringing, his choice to become a doctor, his friendships with other modernist poets like Ezra Pound, and H.D. The intricate illustrations merge the inspiration he found all around him (water, past More...
Nov 07, 2008
Elizabeth
rated it:
I always feel a little bit inadequate when I review a book of poetry or a book about a poet, even if it's for kids. I feel like I'm encroaching on someone else's territory or something. Like I'm some kind of verse-based interloper trespassing where I am ignorant. And the feeling only gets worse when I'm dealing with a person with whom I am not truly familiar. Fortunately, if I ever needed a book to give me the skinny on a poet in terms even an eight-year-old could appreciate, A River of Words: T
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Dec 03, 2010
Amber
rated it:
3rd-4th
A biography of William Carlos Williams. A man who loved to write. Writing to him gave him freedom and peace. His story tells how he need to earn a living and how he was going to do this by attending medical school. No matter where his life took him he never stopped writing. Melissa Sweet took Williams love for words and integrated it into the illustration.
A biography of a writer brought to life by its illustrations. This book would be a great addition to a unit More...
A biography of William Carlos Williams. A man who loved to write. Writing to him gave him freedom and peace. His story tells how he need to earn a living and how he was going to do this by attending medical school. No matter where his life took him he never stopped writing. Melissa Sweet took Williams love for words and integrated it into the illustration.
A biography of a writer brought to life by its illustrations. This book would be a great addition to a unit More...
Jun 23, 2010
Major
rated it:
This story is a brief history of the life of the poet, William Carlos Williams. William was introduced to poetry when he was in high school. He discovered that he loved poetry and spent all his free time writing poems. WIllaim went to college to become a doctor and then returned to his hometown to open up his practice. William spent the rest of his life practicing medicine and writing poetry. I like that there is a history timeline at the end of the book showing his life and world events.
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