A Poem for Peter

The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day

Written by Andrea David Pinkney, Illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson

Despite the many odds against him, Ezra Jack Keats overcame all the obstacles to follow his dream and become a renowned American author/illustrator who inspired generations of other dreamers. In this book, A Poem for Peter, we follow his journey that started over a hundred years ago. From a young boy living in Brooklyn, New York with his struggling immigrant family to the creation of Peter and The Snowy Day, I was captivated by insights into his life. How the character of Peter came to be was so fascinating and I had no idea. The book is told in poetry form and illustrated in Keats’ style. The is a beautiful, brilliant, and timely tribute to a great author and illustrator, but also to a great man who never lost sight of his dream.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3, and anyone who loves Keats’ work

A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day
Written by Andrea David Pinkney, Illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson
Viking / Penguin Young Readers Group
52 pages
Release Date: November 1, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

Tags:

2016 Children's Nonfiction, A poem for Peter, Authors, Authorship, Biography, Biography Picture Books, drawing, Ezra Jack Keats, Illustrators, Poetry, Renee Larsen, social issues, The Snowy Day, Writing