Virginia Lee Burtons literature expert Barbara Elleman introduces the exuberant life, art, and books of Virginia Lee Burton, complemented by family...
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reviews
Mar 25, 2011
Shawn
rated it: 
Barbara Elleman's biography of Virginia Burton is short on loving anecdotes, but includes everything you want or need to know about Burton the artist and designer; the subtitle "a life in art" is an appropriate one. It's clear that art was EVERYTHING to Jinnie Burton, it formed her as a wife, a mother, a colleague, and a writer. From Elleman's account, you fall in love with this (underappreciated?) artistic genius from the mid century who wrote and illustrated some of the most belove
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Nov 16, 2009
Melissa
rated it: 
Far from the most riveting book I've ever read, I still liked learning more about Burton and the context of her classic children's books. It's a very straightforward biography, but is full of some wonderful nuggets of information (she started a design collective and the speciality was fabric--serious lust!) and fabulous illustrations. Fans of Virginia Lee Burton should definitely take a look.
Mar 30, 2011
Sherie
rated it:
Getting to read about my favorite childhood author - however sugar coated it may be - was pleasure. Learned so much beyond Mike Mulligan. Her artwork is amazing!
Sep 14, 2011
Maria
rated it: 
What an amazing woman! I don't care much for Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel but I loved The Little House. Now I want to read Life Story. She was a genius!
May 06, 2011
Victoria
rated it:
A book that has more of the fantastic art that marked her wonderful children's books. Her life story is as beautiful as the life depicted in her works.
Jan 27, 2010
Melody
rated it:
This was an interesting and absorbing biography of a woman I always thought of as a children's book illustrator. She was also a fabric designer and a studio artist who ran very successful business, not to mention a well-loved wife and mother. I liked this bio, which was well-written, but ultimately I found it too shallow. It's a lovely overview, but it certainly left this reader wanting much, much more.
Jan 18, 2008
Max
rated it: 
I was surprised to learn that Burton also headed a fabric-design cooperative; the fabrics are amazing. But the story of her life is really not as interesting as her illustrations, and Elleman's biography is pretty thin. I have a hankering for Burton's work, which, as Nelson advised, I'll just go straight at.
Apr 10, 2008
Jo
rated it:
I loved this book and this woman, and I keep re-reading those children's books I've already loved of hers, and looking for those I haven't. I just bought Mike for my nephew and I think I'll be making them all favorite gifts for all children friends. I'm so glad Carole found this book for me.
Jul 30, 2008
Wendy
rated it:
I loved this book! Virginia Lee Burton had a very interesting life. I enjoyed reading about the inspirations for each of her children's books. She's one of my favorite authors.
Dec 31, 2009
Kathleen
rated it:
Love, love, love this book. See my review at http://sixboxesofbooks.blogspot.com/2009...
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