I Know an Old Teacher (Carolrhoda Picture Books) - Hardcover

This picture book takes a creative look at the classic children's song "I Know an Old Woman," and it all starts out as an innocent accident when a tiny flea plops into Miss Bindley's tea. But it's downhill from there, and soon Miss Bindley is gobbling up the entire classroom menagerie! Caldecott Medal-winner Stephen Gammell's stunning il-lustrations combine media such as watercolor, colored pencils--and even spit-- to create a tone of whimsy throughout this ridiculous tale. With infectious rhyme, rhythm, and repetition, I Know an Old Teacher is the perfect read aloud. Written by Anne Bowen, illustrated by Stephen Gammell, and published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, I Know an Old Teacher is sure to elicit squeals of both delight and disgust as Miss Bind-ley swallows each of the class pets one by one.

Q&A with Illustrator Stephen Gammell Q: Why or how did you decide to be a children's book illustrator? Was it your first choice for a career? A: I didn't decide...it seems it was decided for me. I went to New York with some samples, and visited various publishing houses to see what they thought and within a few weeks I was offered a book contract. This went on for awhile and it finally occurred to me that I was illustrating picture books. It was a comfortable fit with my personality and the style and point of view I had back then. How fortunate, I thought (and after 35 years I still feel this way) that I am able to draw and paint, do what I like to do, and make a living doing it. Q: What was your first project? A: The first book, published in 1973, titled A Nutty Business is now long out of print. It was a good first effort and I didn't have to do any preliminary sketches, which still holds true to this very day. Cool! I do work out ideas in a sketchy manner for myself, but then put them into my finished art. So, in a sense, I am my own editor. Q: You've had wonderful successes in your career, including winning the Caldecott Award and three Caldecott honors. What is your favorite moment? A: My favorite moment is each time I get out a fresh, blank piece of paper. It also happens to be the scariest moment. Sweet and sour. Q: What are the challenges or important considerations to make when illustrating someone else's story? A: It is important to be honest to the writer's words and vision, while at the same time being able to express my own vision and point of view. Hopefully, the words and art look as if they happened together. It's also fun to do small indulgences as an artist while not getting in the way of the basic story. Serve the story. Please yourself. Q: How did your vision for I Know an Old Teacher develop? What were your sources of inspiration? A: It's a mystery to me! I know when the art is working and when it's not. Usually hard work, sitting and thinking, staring out the window (which looks an awful lot like goofing off), or listening to music is inspiring. Suddenly I will have an idea and say, "Now how did that happen?" But how can the word "teacher" not bring inspiration, or at least, an appetite? lot about life from their experiences. I'm hopeful my readers will feel the same way. Q: What materials do you use to produce your artwork? A: Watercolor, colored pencils, pastels, crayons, markers, graphite dust, erasers, and spit! Q: How did you choose your color palette for I Know an Old Teacher? A: I use whatever is available, handy, and appeals to me. This is a colorful story given the subject matter, so anything works. If it looks good, use it! Q: What advice would you give kids who want to be illustrators? A: Don't. Do something respectable. I haven't done an honest day's work in more than 35 years. Do you want that said of you? It's too late for me, but there's still hope for the younger ones!