The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell: Based on the Childhood of a Great American Artist

by Candace Fleming

Award-winning and bestselling author Candace Fleming delivers a stunning picture-book based on the childhood of artist and sculptor Joseph Cornell, sure to beguile aspiring artists and collectors of all ages.

Joey Cornell collected everything -- anything that sparked his imagination or delighted his eye. His collection grew and grew until he realized that certain pieces just looked right together. He assembled his doodads to create wonderful, magical creations out of once ordinary objects.

Perfect for introducing art to kids, here's an imaginative and engaging book based on the childhood of great American artist Joseph Cornell, told by master picture book author Candace Fleming and lauded illustrator Gerard DuBois.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Art, Nonfiction, Childrens, Biography Memoir, Juvenile

36 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

I have always been a storyteller. Even before I could write my name, I could tell a good tale. And I told them all the time. As a preschooler, I told my neighbors all about my three-legged cat named Spot. In kindergarten, I told my classmates about the ghost that lived in my attic. And in first grade I told my teacher, Miss Harbart, all about my family's trip to Paris, France.

I told such a good story that people always thought I was telling the truth. But I wasn't. I didn't have a three-legged cat or a ghost in my attic, and I'd certainly never been to Paris, France. I simply enjoyed telling a good story... and seeing my listener's reaction.

Sure, some people might have said I was a seven-year old fibber. But not my parents. Instead of calling my stories "fibs" they called them "imaginative." They encouraged me to put my stories down on paper. I did. And amazingly, once I began writing, I couldn't stop. I filled notebook after notebook with stories, poems, plays. I still have many of those notebooks. They're precious to me because they are a record of my writing life from elementary school on.

In second grade, I discovered a passion for language. I can still remember the day my teacher, Miss Johnson, held up a horn-shaped basket filled with papier-mache pumpkins and asked the class to repeat the word "cornucopia." I said it again and again, tasted the word on my lips. I tested it on my ears. That afternoon, I skipped all the way home from school chanting, "Cornucopia! Cornucopia!" From then on, I really began listening to words—to the sounds they made, and the way they were used, and how they made me feel. I longed to put them together in ways that were beautiful, and yet told a story.

As I grew, I continued to write stories. But I never really thought of becoming an author. Instead, I went to college where I discovered yet another passion—history. I didn't realize it then, but studying history is really just an extension of my love of stories. After all, some of the best stories are true ones — tales of heroism and villainy made more incredible by the fact they really happened.

After graduation, I got married and had children. I read to them a lot, and that's when I discovered the joy and music of children's books. I simply couldn't get enough of them. With my two sons in tow, I made endless trips to the library. I read stacks of books. I found myself begging, "Just one more, pleeeeease!" while my boys begged for lights-out and sleep. Then it struck me. Why not write children's books? It seemed the perfect way to combine all the things I loved: stories, musical language, history, and reading. I couldn't wait to get started.

But writing children's books is harder than it looks. For three years I wrote story after story. I sent them to publisher after publisher. And I received rejection letter after rejection letter. Still, I didn't give up. I kept trying until finally one of my stories was pulled from the slush pile and turned into a book. My career as a children's author had begun.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

”The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”

I have to admit…I had never heard of Joseph Cornell before picking up The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell by Candace Fleming. But wow! I am so happy I met him and his “Relic Museum” in the pages of this book.

Young Joey Cornell collected things. He would pick things up that caught his eye and wonder. Everything and anything from sheet music to parrot feathers to old telescopes. Joey collected them all. What will he do with all of his stuff though?

“Who knows?” :)

Readers see Joey’s collection grow and change over the years as he moves through life’s good and hard times. We meet his family and finally see how he uses his collection to enchant and inspire.

This wonderful story of Cornell’s beginnings in life and art is filled with magic. It made me really LOOK at the things around me. Joey took the ordinary and made them extraordinary. And I’m sure his story and art will inspire so many others to do the same. You don’t have to draw or paint to be an artist. All you need is imagination and maybe (in this case anyway) lots and lots of stuff to mix & match to form something new and wondrous!

Highly recommended. It will bring out the artist in you!

p.s. Be prepared for kids to start collecting things after reading this story. Have a box or barn at the ready. :D

[Gary Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey whimsically collects unrelated objects that strike his fancy. Eventually, he realizes that he can make art by juxtaposing those items in surprising ways. Although Joey’s creative mind comes through in this picture book biography, readers may have a hard time understanding and empathizing with him. While the illustrations focus on the materials of Joey’s collection, the facial expressions are repetitive and inauthentic. Readers also need help knowing how to look at and appreciate the originality of Joey’s imagination, but when Joey’s artistic creations finally appear, they don’t look much different from the stuff sitting haphazardly in the barn. The explanations and small photographs of Cornell boxes in the back matter are helpful in explaining why Joseph Cornell is regarded as such an important artist, but I wish the main narrative provided more of that exposition.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of how Cornell started in childhood collecting everything that caught his imagination and later created sculptures from the everyday objects in his amassed collection.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Everything about this book enthralled and entranced me. The illustrations were gorgeous, the story line thrilling and the words profound and emotion invoking. As I was reading, all I wanted to do was know more about Joey Cornell and his work. I want to learn more about him and introduce him and his art to my students and see how inspired they become.
Joey was a child who loved to collect things, things that made him happy. His collection grew and grew as the years stretched on. How many of us know kids like this? As I read, I was struck by these thoughts:
1. We all need a collection of something that makes us happy. Okay, we also need a barn to keep our collections in! Why should we deny ourselves this simple happiness?
2. Joey's collections inspired curiosity and wonder not only in his own life, but those of his family members as well. Now, readers can also be inspired by him to look and think about objects in a different way. What if we looked at everything with awe and wonder?
3. Joey had a family that didn't say no to him. They wondered with him, supported him and gave him freedom to collect. They also gave him to the freedom to say he didn't know why or what yet. How often do we shut children down if they don't have an answer, or an answer we want? This point REALLY hit home for me.
This book was amazing for me on so many levels and I really cannot wait to share it with friends, family, classmates and colleagues. Thank you Candace for sharing his story!

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of book you can read aloud to students more than once. There are a series of questions family members ask Joey as he collects more and more items - "What do you want that for?" and "What will you do with them?" and "What will you do with that?" with words like "that" in Italics for special emphasis. And there's also a series of repeating statements--"By the time Joey was eight (or nine or eleven) his collection looked like this..." Both the questions and the repetitive line would be helpful during an interactive read aloud - making the reading of the story fun and enjoyable.

SUGGESTION FOR INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD - read aloud the whole book so students can enjoy and get the gist, but with a second read aloud, the family's statements & the repeating phrase can serve as signals for pausing to ask students to turn and talk- "Why do you think she said that to Joey?" and "What do you notice in the illustration about his collection now?"

BEYOND THE TEXT - This story could be part of a larger discussion about "collections," what we collect and why. Students might bring collections to school to share with others. They might create a readers theater script based on this story or adapt the ideas in this story into a story about their own collection. Student-led groups might also discuss the bigger ideas in the book like, "Why do we collect?" and "How can our collections be a joy to others?" or "How does art create a space for dissimilar objects to be placed together?" I'd google "Joey Cornell art" images (there are plenty) and share with students as well--lots of wonderful images of his "boxes" available for students to view and discuss questions, "What do you notice?" and "Why do you think..."

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: Advance Reader's Edition | Book Releases February 2018

This book is based on the childhood of Joseph Cornell and the wonder that is his collection of things. Candace Fleming provides a note at the start of the book that offers a brief bio with nuggets of details about some of the artist's objects, including photos that date back as far as 1945. Here we learn that Joseph referred to his own collection as, "a diary journal, picture gallery, museum, and clearing house for dreams and visions."

It is that last reference that resonated with me..."a clearing house for dreams and visions." What a powerful declaration. I had never thought about collected items in this way. Yes, there is sentimental value and memories that are attached to the things we treasure and hold onto as a remembrance of what once was, but this perspective of "dreams and visions" speaks to a future hope.

I am thankful for this perspective for two reasons. The first being that my children collect things that on the surface might just look like random "stuff," maybe there's something more there to explore? On the one hand, I am hard-pressed to believe that my son's collection of my dishes in his room means anything more than he's being lazy. On the other hand, my daughter has a collection of objects that she saves for just the right project as she re-purposes them into a new creation.

The second reason I can appreciate the "dreams and visions" point of view is because it speaks to what good might come out of those things that I like to collect. I have years worth of notebooks of my reading and writing life. I collect and use what I feel are special notebooks and pens. This Christmas in fact, I received a very special pen from my husband with my name engraved in it and my birthstone nestled at its crest. He is one who's encouraged me to write. For now, I write about my reading but I do dream of writing my own work so I use blogging to help me stay in the habit and to have my very own collection of my thoughts on the books I read and enjoyed.

What a long intro to the part where I actually review the book. Please forgive me as I got caught up in my thoughts just from the Author's Note alone. I really enjoyed The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell. I think it gives the reader permission to be passionate about their interests. As we follow Joey's childhood we can see the growth of his collection, its purpose, and its wonder. His "trinkets" and "doodads" become a thing of beauty-art.

Gerard Dubois' illustrations were rendered in acrylic on paper and manipulated digitally. They pair well with the text and speak to the era depicted (the early 20th century) in soft and warm tones akin to sepia.

I look forward to sharing this gem with my students.

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell: Based on the Childhood of a Great American Artist

Candace Fleming

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large part of my rating this 3 stars, rather than 2, is that I just like that there is now a children's picture book referencing artist Joseph Cornell.

Also, it really bothers me that people keep referring to Joseph Cornell as "Joey" outside of the book. As far as I know, he really was NEVER called "Joey" - "Joe" or "Joseph" - and it really minimizes him as a serious artist, in my opinion. As a character in a children's picture book, he is "Joey". But outside of that, No. I wish the author had just called it "The Amazing Collection of Joe Cornell" - I think the kids could handle it.

However - the caveat that this is "based on Cornell's childhood" is a bit misleading, as we don't really know a lot about what Cornell's childhood was like. The aspect of his having a childhood show in his barn is interesting, but the details of what was shown is according to his sisters, and was not actually noted anywhere, aside from the single surviving ticket he made. And this piece of information comes from probably the most comprehensive biography about Cornell to date, which isn't even cited in the "Selected Bibliography," which I thought was odd. The book is, "Utopia Parkway: The Life and Work of Joseph Cornell," by Deborah Solomon, re-released 2015.

I suppose his life and mind are a bit too esoteric to properly describe for children, and chronology doesn't necessarily matter for a children's book (here's where "based on the childhood of" bothers me).

The message of the book is that anyone can create, or try to, and who knows what the next bit of art will be. This, I like. I do wish the author had mentioned more about his love of squirreling himself away reading and also seeing films. I think these early years were more about those things than actual collecting, though he did love to get things from his Father's trips. More images of finished pieces to connect the themes within the book would have been nice (i.e. the "Aviary" series, homages to ballet, celestial boxes, etc.)

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the same could be said for what is considered to be art or something worth collecting. In this stunningly illustrated book with images created in acrylic on paper and digitally, readers encounter artist Joseph Cornell when he was a youngster and collected objects that fascinated him. The illustrations show how the collection of found objects grew over time. Although he kept his collection in his bedroom at first, eventually it outgrew that space and was moved to the barn. Although Joey wasn't sure what he'd do with all of the items in his collection, he knew they were important and valuable. After his father's unexpected death, the family was bereft, and Joey found solace among his collected items, finally deciding to move them around and combine some objects. To his family's surprise, the result was something extraordinary, cobbled together from everyday objects that would garner little notice from most individuals. But not Joey. Even after his showing for his family, he kept collecting objects, unsure how he would use them but certain they would come in handy later on. Back matter includes a note from the author that provides more information about the book's subject and also shows photographs of some of his work. I loved the way the story is told and how readers are reminded that one person's discarded items can become part of someone else's treasured artworks. Ah, the imagination of this man!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Joey Cornell was a child, he collected all sorts of things that interested him. Both of his parents helped find small treasures for his collection. Year after year, his collection grew and grew as he added to it. There were bright colored feathers, butterfly wings, doll heads, leaves, a safe, and much more. After the death of his father, when he was thirteen, Joey began to spend even more time with his collection and began to put the objects together into new combinations. He showed his family the art he had created and continued to collect and create new magical art. Joseph Cornell became a famous artist known for his objects placed in small wooden boxes. The final pages of the book show some of the boxes and the incredible combinations he found of disparate objects that seem to belong together and tell a complete story.

Fleming writes this book with a focus on Cornell’s childhood and the collection he created even then. Her writing invites young collectors to explore and find their own voices. Dubois’ illustrations show the growing collection and young readers can see objects stay year after year and then appear in Cornell’s pieces. There is a strong sense of continuity in the book, a stretch of time held together by the collection and by Cornell himself. This is an entrancing and fascinating look at the childhood of a famous artist. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Gerard Dubois. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK Schwartz and Wade (Penguin), 2018. $18. 9780399552380

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Joey always collects things. If they interest him at all he likes to put them in his barn and over time his collection grows. When Joey is thirteen his father passes away and Joey is overwhelmed by his own sadness and his family’s sadness. In an attempt to brighten everyone’s moods, Joey takes his collection and puts together odd assortments into boxes, making a museum. His family loves his creative ideas and as Joey grows older he continues to put his pieces together and becomes a well-known artist as an adult.

I liked Joey's way of thinking outside the box that resulted in his very unique and whimsical art form. I like that his collecting could be enjoyed by others because of his creations. My biggest turn off with this book is the illustrations because they are muted, at times blurry and remind me of the Run Dick, Run Jane books from the seventies. Even if a child was interested in the story, I’m not sure they would pick the book up to read it because the pictures are unappealing.

C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography shows how a childhood need to collect objects led to the artistic development of the artist Joseph Cornell. I like how the book honors Cornell's eccentricity, as his parents did. These amassed "curiosities" became the basis for the shadow boxes for which he eventually became famous. His earliest show, in the barn at his home, was as a child who wanted to provide solace to his family after the death of his father. The acrylic and digital art has a folksy feel, in keeping with the organic pastoral beginnings of the artist. An author's note at the end tells how Cornell never went to art school and did not draw, paint or sculpt. Other back matter gives more biographical information, a bibliography and shows photographs of some of his work.

My only complaint: the photographs of Cornell's work are so small that it is hard to get an idea of what they contain.

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the story of one young man's journey from general curiosity collector to artist. Everyone wondered why Joey would save the things he did. Broken dolls, corks, feathers, glasses, and an assortment of other things that one might consider rubbish...but to him, they were something more. To him, they held potential and interesting connections that even he didn't realize at first glance, but he eventually put two and two together creating something unique. His world didn't appeal to the everyone, but with the right amount of imagination, they might as well have been made of gold. It just goes to show you that one man's trash is another man's treasure...and no two people look at the world the EXACT same way, but think about it...how BORING would the world be if we really did?

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey Cornell collected things. Things magnificent and things ordinary and things overlooked. His collection grew and grew until he decided to make it into an art exhibit to cheer up his mourning family, and launched an unordinary art career.

I like that Joey Cornell never forgot that children can appreciate art in their own unique way (see the afterward about his special exhibits just for kids). I also like that he shows budding artists that you can be successful by being different and not going the usual route of formal training. Recommended for art classes and those who enjoy picture book biographies.

Notes on content: The story does mention the sudden death of Joey's father at a young age, but it is not gory or anything, just sad.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet picture book biography in many ways because it not only highlights "collecting" but how art is interpreted and showcased in a variety of ways. Joey Cornell was one of them who collected from the time he was young, then inspired by the deteriorating health and sudden death of his father to help his family through grief (and his own) by creating a magical adventure through the items he collected.

It's inspirational and motivational and could pair nicely with What We Keep: 150 People Share the One Object that Brings Them Joy, Magic, and Meaning.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Cornell said, “The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”

This narrative biography about the childhood of artist Joseph Cornell is especially applicable as a children’s book since his work would later in life would also be meant for children.

The illustrations weren’t my favorite style, but did seem to fit the early 1900’s style, almost like Dick and Jane books -that’s what it reminded me of. The illustrator put the array of collected and scattered objects against a background of parallel lines that made each page look neatly arranged and organized- Im sure an intentional homage to Cornell’s work.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit of a collector much like Joey Cornell and perhaps it comes from growing up in the country.
I had not heard of Mr. Cornell prior to seeing the title listed in Candace Fleming’s bibliography of books.
I think the title will appeal to many children as many go through a “ collector” phase and I think the story will encourage children to linger longer over objects and will develop their sense seeing. Loved the quote of, “The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”
However, I did want more about his later life and how he made his shadow boxes. Even the two pages of appended material was not quite enough.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this. I liked the text with one quibble and that was thinking an inclusion of Joey's eventual artistic career would have been good. On the other hand, the idea of collecting things that "sparked his imagination or delighted his eye" delighted ME. So many kids do some of just that and I think we adults often ask them what they collect as if it is important to narrow to just one thing.

So so on the illustrations. Some of the pages invited close inspection yet some were dark and indistinct.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey is fascinated by everyday objects. Though his family doesn't really get it, his mom and dad encourage him by finding him treasures everywhere. Then when family tragedy strikes, Joey is inspired to create new things by combining his treasures in different ways, though he's sure they were always made to be together.

An interesting story of an artist with no formal training, who continues to affect his community to this day. Not my... favorite style of illustration. It works with the story and isn't distracting so not a big quibble.

No content issues.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two of my favorite elements: the genre of picture book biographies and the autor Candace Fleming. Fleming chooses fairly unknown to many artist Joey Cornell whose unique media is the arrangement of real life objects in small wooden boxes. Fleming captures the childhood of Cornell including his obsession with collecting unusual and interesting objects -- a habit supported and encouraged by his family. End notes tell a more complete story of Cornell and his art.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A non-fiction read about a boy in Flushing, New York who collects many things in his wanderings. And these things he creates art with. The illustrations were colorful, muted, and showed the many things Joey collected. This would be a book a child might spend a longer time with looking at all the different things the boy collected. Joey did put the items together in an artistic way that interested people looking at his collections and that became his art.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the childhood of Joey Cornell, real life artist. I was one of those kids who kept things that were interesting, even if they were junk. My collection had to stay small though. Every once in a while I come across a tiny artifact from my collection and it still makes my heart happy. The best part of this book is the way the illustrator used light and darkness in the night spreads. Stunning!!!

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, every collector and the parent(s) of every collector will or can relate. There are some great reviews on this so I won't go overboard. Simply put, I loved this story. I loved the history and learning about Joey Cornell. I loved the shift every single character made in the most subtle ways. A shift from unseeing - to seeing. What a wonderful story -- one I want to add to my own library.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our world where minimalism is the newest fad and with both parents working keeping the house clean is a major priority, it is great to see a book that promotes the advantages of collecting! Kids need to have the space to find out who they are and what they like, and luckily Joey Cornell was given that luxury and a great artist was born! This book is a great artist biography which should inspire many kids. Hopefully their parents will also see the light and give them the space to explore.

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not familiar with Joey Cornell's work, but I was interested in a children's book about an artist's childhood. I liked that Cornell's parents supported his collection even though it was odd. Interestingly, I ultimately found myself identifying more closely with Cornell's sisters who called him a pack rat though.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t ever heard of Joey Cornell before, but was delighted to discover this artist and learn about his inspirations.

The kids enjoyed the story too. This is a longer book, text-wise, so I would recommend it for elementary students. Older preschoolers who can sit through longer stories may enjoy it too.

Good for kids who love to collect random objects and for art fans.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a boy who collected all sorts of weird and interesting things---whatever caught his eye. He later combined his objects into art. So many kids are collectors that I think they will connect with the wonder young Joey experiences. Would be a fun book-makerspace connection. The author's note shares images of Cornell and his boxes.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knows where your curiosity will take you? A look at the early life of Joey Cornell, an assemblage artist whom I had never heard of. Collectors of found objects and dreamers of possibilities will appreciate Joey's art and imagination. Back matter contains author's note and small photos of Cornell's work.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was better than my ability to like it. I think my need to minimize and get rid of junk tainted my opinion slightly. I did look up images in Google of his real artwork and wished the book covered more of those. It reminded me of a shadow box or scrapbook arrangement. I liked the book a little better after viewing them.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repurposing 'trash' with a spirit that knows magic? Joey's mother understood. Most people would consider it hoarding, but at least he apparently kept it reasonably organized and clean of rotted food etc. Lucky kid. There is back matter, but I don't understand what got him from his early teens to fame & respect, and that would be interesting, too, I think.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was interesting - and the illustrations were wonderful - I just didn't get as "grabbed" by it as I was kind of hoping. I usually love the picture book bios of artists, but I just couldn't get into this one for some reason.