The Secret World of Walter Anderson

Candlewick Biographies

by Hester Bass, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

Enter the fascinating world of reclusive nature-lover Walter Anderson — perhaps the most famous American artist you’ve never heard of.

Residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast thought Walter Anderson was odd, rowing across twelve miles of open water in a leaky skiff to reach Horn, an uninhabited island without running water or electricity. But this solitary artist didn’t much care what they thought as he spent weeks at a time on his personal paradise, sleeping under his boat, sometimes eating whatever washed ashore, sketching and painting the natural surroundings and the animals that became his friends. Here Walter created some of his most brilliant watercolors, work he kept hidden during his lifetime. In a beautifully crafted picture book biography, writer Hester Bass and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis pay homage to an uncompromising American artist.
Back matter includes a bibliography.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Childrens, Environment, Nature

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Hester Bass is the author of SO MANY HOUSES, illustrated by Alik Arzoumanian. She lives in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Saturday, May 28, 2016, Lana and I went to the Walter Anderson museum in Ocean Springs, Louisiana. We'd seen a special on this artist and wanted a closer look. I'll admit that I wasn't overly impressed with his art when I'd seen it in the documentary, and even when I got a first look at it. But as I studied it I began to see a lot more in his work, and some amazing brush lines and the insertion of hidden animals in everything. I was curious about the guy and in their gift shop after I bought this book. It's a children's biography of him, wonderfully illustrated, and it gave some of the quick highlights of his life. Even more valuable to me, however, was the "Author's Note," which is essentially an "adult" biography of Anderson and fills in lots of missing details that I was curious about. If you happen to be in Ocean Springs, visit this place. This book was a nice little work to help me get a feel for this talented, but as is sometimes the case, tortured artist.

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a little girl growing upon the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I was exposed to much of Walter Inglis Anderson's artwork and tales of his life. I even was given a piece of Shearwater Pottery - a bold pirate standing with legs wide apart wearing yellow pants, hands on hips complete with a pirate hat and scowling smile on his face. I have long admired Anderson's artwork and eccentric lifestyle. As an artist myself, I often tried to capture Anderson's stylized drawings and use of color.

This "children's book" is a remarkable tribute to this remarkable man and his remarkable art and eccentric lifestyle. The illustrations by E. B. Lewis are beautiful! I appreciate the "Author's Note" providing much valued information to support the first part of the book. Walter Inglis Anderson and his legacy are an important part of my life, a much appreciated artist my family of origin held in high esteem. I am proud to own this quality paperback book about an American artist most folks have never heard of and place it in my home library to share with my children and grandchildren.

I live Up North these days, but, I can always "go home" with Walter Inglis Anderson's artwork. Treat yourself to this wonderful book no matter how old you are! I am so glad I did!

[Savannah Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful narrative biography about the life of the american painter Walter Anderson. The text is most suitable for 3rd or 4th grade. I think this would be a great text to use to teach strategies for reading biographies like the herringbone strategy we talked about in class. I also think it would be a great text to use when introducing biographies in general. Most biographies get a bad rap because most students immediately think of super long, wordy texts. You learn so much about Walter Anderson's life in a extremely beautiful picture book. This was a wow book for me solely because of the illustrations. While the illustrations depict a new orleans coastline, the beaches and marshes shown reminded me of a beach that was 15 minutes from where I grew up. It was wonderful read and made me just the teensiest bit homesick, but I very much so enjoyed it!

[ꍏꌗꃅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

- read this book as a work project — reading the children’s book collection.
- this short biography details artist walter anderson’s enjoyment of nature in his small getaway of horn island.

- i liked that this book focused mostly on one aspect of the artist’s life because i think that will keep children more motivated to reading it.
- i really rather enjoyed the artwork throughout the story, given by e.b. lewis

- not really a dislike perse but more an i wish there was more of the subject’s art shown

- i would recommend this to anyone who is interested in biographies and artists in general.

[Lauren Paravate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: This story covers the background of Walter Anderson and his paintings at Horn Island. Walter loved to go to Horn Island and stay for weeks at a time where he would paint pictures of the wildlife there and live on the beach. He always kept his paintings from there as a secret until he passed away and his wife found them in his locked room of art.

Evaluation: I enjoyed the storyline of this look and looking at the additional artwork that the author added at the end. It was interesting to learn about a new artist that I have never heard of before and see his famous paintings after he passed.

Teaching Idea: For this book I would have my students discuss what they thought the authors message of the story was. I would also have them talk about what connections they made to Walter Anderson in the story and if they would keep their paintings a secret or show them to the world. I would then have the students explain their reasoning and what they would do in a writing activity.

[Paige Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) This is an amazing book about nature that would be great to read aloud in the class including beautiful illustrations and colorful words. This artist, Walter Anderson, would go through down the Mississippi River braving the alligators and more just to transfer the beautiful scenery onto the a paper with pencil and paint. He would give crazy looks from the people that lived along the river because they would always see him rowing down the river and always wondered what he was doing in his little boat. He was trying to reach the island of Horn, that had no electricity, running water, but he did not care. He would sleep under his boat, eating whatever he could find on the island, all while painting the natural surroundings that he would see all throughout the day. All of Walter Anderson's artwork is portrayed throughout the whole story.
2) Age Level: 8-12 years old Grade Level: 3rd-7th grade
3) Appropriate classroom use of this book: this book could be used in History/informational book about nature
4) Individual students who might benefit from this book: students that enjoy art because Walter Anderson was a naturalist/painter or students that love nature because Walter loved the outdoors
5) Small group use: Small group use of this book could be to have each group read one of the Walter Anderson biographies, and have each group act out what Walter Anderson would do in each book to capture pictures for his drawings, and have inspiration to write about.
6) Whole class use: As a class, we could read the book aloud and then embark on a nature walk outside as if we were Walter Anderson. We could go somewhere in nature and find a spot near the school and draw our own pictures as Walter Anderson did using pencil and paint.
7) Related books: Approaching the Magic Hour: Memories of Walter Anderson, An Alphabet, The Horn Island Logs of Walter Inglis Anderson
8) Multimedia connections: I couldn't find any multimedia connections to this book, however there are many other books that tell about the life of Walter Anderson that could be used in the classroom.

[Micki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most interesting story of an artist who found his greatest pleasures alone on Horn Island in the Gulf of Mexico. For him, the ultimate life was to leave home and spend long periods of time painting everything he saw in this isolated place. He had very few personal needs and seemed to thrive as he became part of nature. After his death, Walter’s wife entered a locked cottage room near their home and found a huge collection of Horn Island art that has since become famous!

I think primary students would like the story itself, but middle – upper grade students would be the best audience. They would appreciate the human side of the story as much as the talent of Walter Anderson. (2010 Orbis Pictus Award – best nofiction for children)


"Dr. Seuss." PebbleGo. www.pebblego.com. June 18,2012

Dr. Seuss has appeal for all ages! This ebook would appeal mostly to primary grades (K-2). It’s a very simple story of the important pieces of Theodore Geisel’s life. Younger children will enjoy the short, easy presentation. Most people probably don’t know about the life-size Cat in the Hat that was done as a promotion for Sears. Good piece of trivia.

[Katherine Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) Book summary, in your own words (3 pts)
-Walter Anderson is an artist who lives life a little different than most. He liked to be a lone, out on his little row boat where he could sketch the nature and beauty around him. Often times he would sleep out on his boat and just eat whatever he could find. He was a nature lover and enjoyed living a care-free life. His artwork has become famous and through the book children learn about the spectacular, fascinating man.
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
-2nd-3rd grade.
3) Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
-Art classroom.
-History class.
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
-Students who are artist or appreciates the arts.
5) Small group use (literaturecircles) (1 pt)
-Students can get in groups and try to recreate one of the pieces Anderson created.
6) Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
-Carpet reading
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
-The Extraordinary Mark Twain by Barbra Kellery
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available (1 pt)
-Audiobook available.

[Anna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Walter was a painter and he had a room that he locked away from the world just for himself. He would go to an island to paint his pictures and he would stay there for weeks on end painting and spending time with the animals. He soon became very ill and passed away. One day his wife unlocked his room that he had hidden away from the world. She found a masterpiece his entire room was covered in paintings and pottery that were just for him to see. He had done so much for the world with his work but this was just for him.
Grade:2nd-5th
Classroom: Art
Individual: Anyone who likes art
Small group: Discussion on why he choose to go to a island for painting
Whole class; Discussion on why he felt the need to lock his room away.
Related Books; books relating to art
Multimedia: Recorded Version
Award: Orbis Pictus

[Julivete Skelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Secret World of Walter Anderson is about an American artist that would nearly go to the extremes to work on his paintings and drawings. This book is full of calm colored watercolor paintings to portray Walter’s life. I would use this book in my future classroom as a very interesting way to begin introducing biographies to young readers. Walter would row for miles rowed to reach a small remote island. Although the island wasn’t inhabited, he would stay on the island for weeks at a time working on his artwork of surrounding nature. When Walter became sick, he still managed to work on his art while in the hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away from the sickness at the age of sixty-two. After his death, his wife discovered all of the hidden art of Horn Island. Even the walls of his always-locked cottage were covered in paintings of Horn Island.

[Jill Nelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content Crossover:
Science, Animals

Citation

Gompper, G. (2011) Every day by the bay. New York: Puddle Jump Press.

I paired these books together because The Secret World of Walter Anderson tells about the deep love he has for the area. Every Day by the Bay encourages youngster to get out and explore. Even though we don't have a bay there are still lots of things that children can discover in our area. We could discuss the kids' favorite places to go. I think for a strategy I would make a Bingo card to do outside on the playground. I would put things like saw a bird, mammal or insect on the spaces.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes for a very nice introduction to the artist, who is one of my favorites. The author's note at the end is a great addition for older readers. It contains even more biographical info, reproductions of some of Anderson's actual work (including the Chesty Horse!) and details of his artistic legacy up to the present-day, post-Katrina. Nothing new in here for me, but I didn't expect there to be.

[Todd LaMontagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: The Secret World of Walter Anderson is the recipient of the Orbus Pictus Award. Written by Hester Bass and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, this children's book tells a portion of the history of a not very famous American artist who was born in New Orleans in 1903 and died at the age of 62 in 1965. He kept a room of his house locked away from his family, the contents of which were never known until after his death. He loved the natural world of the Gulf Coast in Mississippi where he lived. His inspiration was the natural world and in order to really get out into it, he would row a small, leaky skiff twelve miles to Horn Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. There he would spend weeks living in the harsh island environment without any of the creature comforts of his home. During his visit he would draw and gather inspiration for his craft. The mystery of his secret rom is revealed at the end of his life when his wife unlocks the room and discovers his homage to Horn Island, for the room is decorated with images from that place that he did not otherwise share in his work. The illustrations in this book are beautifully rendered water colors.
Theme/Curriculum Connections: Natural world, solitary living, man vs. nature, art.
Grade/Age Recommendation: Elementary

[Stephanie Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret World of Walter Anderson is a beautifully illustrated book about Walter Anderson, the artist. I enjoyed this book because I love art the illustrations in the book look like a water color painting. The book is a non-fiction book and is a short read. I love that the book has more information about the artist at the end of the book. It gives a more in-depth view of the life of Walter Anderson and who he was as a person and artist. He immersed himself completely in his art and donated a huge mural to his home town for free! It was also interesting to know that he came from a strong artistic background.

The Secret World of Walter Anderson would be a wonderful book to use in the classroom when introducing the non-fiction genre. This would be great to show that non-fiction books can be fun to read. Students could write their own autobiography about their lives and illustrate the books to reflect their lives. This would be a fun way to get themselves involved in learning about non-fiction. The teacher could have students pick their own book about an artist and do a report on the artist of their choice. Then the students could compare between the artist they picked and Walter Anderson. This would be a great book to have in the classroom for the non-fiction genre.

[Jessica Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of American artist, Walter Anderson. His story is unique and not commonly referenced when learning about American artists, at least from my experience. Walter Anderson spent most of his time on an island where he created beautiful watercolor paintings of his natural surroundings. He had a special infatuation with the animals and biodiversity on the island, which is shown in his work. However, he kept his artwork a secret in a room in his house which was locked and even his wife did not enter the room until after his passing. Walter's work is not displayed in a museum. I enjoyed reading the story of Walter Anderson, as told by Hester Bess. I appreciated the great amount of information provided after the story, which included an in-depth look at Walter's childhood and what inspired him to start painting in the first place. These were questions I had after the story, so I was glad that the author included that information at the end of the book. I also liked the real photos that were included, which allowed me to see Walter's actual work and even the infamous secret room.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a nineteen year old, this was a good book but not one that necessarily grabbed all of my attention. However, I'm sure as a child I would have loved this book. Walter Anderson liked to go off to his own deserted island and paint. When I was young, I loved to be alone and I loved to draw, so I probably could have related very well to the character. The illustrations were also very beautiful, which I probably would have appreciated as a child but definitely still do as a young adult.
As a teacher, I could probably find some way to use this book in my classroom. It is nonfiction, which makes it apart of history. The book also discusses the weather and wild plants and animals which could be incorporated into science. But most importantly I think with it being such an odd story it would be something that would interest the children and could potentially be used to expand their imagination by asking them to think about what he may have experienced on the island or what they would have done if they were in his position.

[Gabriela Wiborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art was an adventure to Walter Anderson and when he wanted to draw or paint something he wanted to draw the actual animal or bit of nature up close and personal. He lived along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and would row about 12 miles in a tiny boat in order to get to Horn Island. Here Anderson really came alive and so did his artwork. Anderson would spend weeks at a time living off the island that had no running water or electricity and simply paint. He took in the world around him, immersed himself in the wildlife, and became one with nature. Anderson teaches students a lot about the beauty of nature and the cycle of life, “Walter Anderson painted to realize his secret world, to bring himself and nature into one thing called art,” (Bass, 2009). This is a good read to understand a perspective of someone who truly appreciated the beauty of the world around us. I would recommend keeping this book in a classroom because of the wonderful illustrations and unique story.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret World of Walter Anderson is a nonfiction picture book for children. Winner of the Orbis Pictus award, the book reflects excellence in the world of children’s nonfiction. The book is about the artist Walter Anderson and some of the unique things he did to create his art. The Secret World of Walter Anderson is colorful and full of life as it tells the biographical tale. At the end of the book is more information about Walter Anderson including the fact that he had schizophrenia. Including this kind of information could open the door to have facilitated conversations about mental illness. The Secret World of Walter Anderson would be excellent to read to 2nd-3rd grade classes. Students could use this book to explore biographies in a fun and engaging way. As students are often turned off of nonfiction by teachers or other people in their life it is important to encourage the enjoyment of nonfiction books.

[Caisey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love seeing a children's picture book that is also a biography. It tends to be an underrepresented category and deserves some love. For children nonfiction is just as interesting, sometimes even more interesting, than fiction. This book explores the life of Walter Anderson, a wildlife painter in New Orleans. His work is on display in several places in the US and even in Canada, and you can view the original room he painted, mentioned at the end of the book, in New Orleans. The detail included in his life about how he worked with the animals he painted and his long trips to his secret island give us a picture of Walter's secret world as an artist. The illustrations that accompany the text paint a beautiful picture of Walter at work. All that being said, I didn't quite walk away from the book with an understanding of why I should care about the subject. A follow-up of where his art is today or what impact his paintings had on the world of wildlife illustration would have gone a long ways.

[Tiandra Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret World of Walter Anderson by Hester Bass is a captivating book about the nature lover, Walter Anderson who turns out to be a famous American artist that no one heard of. This book focuses on Walter Anderson, an odd individual who loved his independence and alone time. He would spend weeks on his own sketching and painting the nature that surrounded him. He kept his paintings a secret until he passes away. This book is great because it explains the life of an unknown famous artist. I would use this book when discussing art in my classroom. Having a book written about an unknown famous American artist is so exciting and would capture the heart of many students. I really enjoyed this book and having the opportunity to read it. This biography is amazing to use in a classroom and would inspire many aspiring young artists.

[Rachel Doran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this beautifully illustrated book. This book is about the adventures Walter Anderson went on to create his paintings. He would travel to an island and stay for weeks on end just to capture what was going on and see how the animals interacted on that deserted island. He kept a small room in his cottage that was always locked. When Walter Anderson died, his wife opened the room to find art all over the walls and his work scattered around. Walter Anderson worked for everyone else and this room was just for him to keep his work for himself, a place to have creative freedom. I found it inspiring that he had one room all for himself that he kept locked. I just loved that part of the book. Overall I really loved this book and it would be great to have in a classroom.

[Kaitlyn Ramoie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Telling the story of American painter, Walter Anderson, this biography goes in-depth about an artist that not many people have previously heard of. Full of paint-like illustrations and chapters about Anderson's life, the book discusses how Anderson created his art and the importance of Horn Island in the creation of his art. Although we learn lots about how Anderson created his art, we didn't learn a lot about who Anderson is as a person. This was not one of my favorite books. I just wasn't really that drawn to it. However, I think it is still a good book to have in my future classroom because although non-fiction is not my forte, I don't want to take that away from my students and their engagement with different genres and books.

[La Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the watercolors by E. B. Lewis! They make you feel as if you were a hidden observer of Walter Anderson’s activities on Horn Island, off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I look forward to seeing more of your work, Mr. Lewis!

I feel author Hester Bass, carefully crafted the Andersons’ complex history into an easily accessible book for children. Excellent!

#picturebook #watercolor #e.b.lewisartist #e.b.lewisillustrator #e.b.lewispainter #HesterBassAuthor #HesterBass #WalterAnderson #AmericanArtist #MississippiArtist #GulfCoast #OrbisPiccusAward #OceanSpringsMississippi #HornIsland #prolificartist #EarlBLewis

[Alex Ronnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: biography
Awards: Orbis Pictus Award
Audience: grades 3-5
a. This book is a partial biography because it only includes part of Walter Anderson's life. The reader experiences him painting and then his work after he dies.
b. This is fictionalized biography because the story is told in a way for elementary students to understand. The illustrations are fictionalized and the book is not told in great detail.
c. Why did Walter Anderson leave the door locked in his little room? Was his family worried about him when he left for long periods of time?

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star rating: 4
Copyright date: 2009
Theme: Artist biography

My favorite part of this book was learning about the artist and his time on Horn Island. I also really enjoyed the illustrations done by E.B. Lewis. They had so much detail and added an extra layer to the picture book. This book would be good to read in a classroom to show different forms of art. The book shows his life as an artist and ends with his sickness. At the end I loved seeing what the little room was full of and made it a great biography.

[Julia Myklebust · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book told the story of Walter Anderson, an incredible artist, who would spend months at a time living on an island with no other humans. Instead, he spent his time with the animals and nature, which he drew and painted, for keepsakes he hid away in a cabin. Those pieces of artwork weren’t found until his death, but his cabin was literally covered with them. Such an interesting story! My literacy buddy enjoyed it too! Nonfiction.

[Lauren Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book that tells the story of an artist, Walter Anderson. Anderson goes to an island where he gets ideas for his paintings. It is a book that really draws the reader in on the story of Walter Anderson and his painting. It would be a great book for a student in second or third grade. A teacher could have her students do a biography on an artist and this would be a great resource for a student doing one on Walter Anderson.

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first I've heard of Walter Anderson, and that is an absolute shame. This book was beautiful, inspirational, and educational. Aside from an ode to this artist, it is also a love letter to the natural world around us and the art it inspires.

E.B. Lewis watercolors are always amazing, but they were particularly powerful here.

I loved the additional bio at the back.

[Lauren Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the Amazing life of Walter Anderson. Many people viewed him as odd for the unique ways he lived. However, he created beautiful art work and connected with nature like no other. He also showed that there is value in living a simpler life and regrounding oneself to what matters in life. I would use this book when studying artists in America. It would also be good to use when teaching about biographies.

[Ashley Bartholomew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is age appropriate for a second or third grade student. It is about how committed Walter is to his art. He will live on an island for weeks just to paint what is there. I could use this as a read-aloud book to show my students that even if your dreams are different then people expect, it is good to do what makes you happy. I did not see anything dangerous in this book.