Enjoying the Books of Diane Stanley

A Book Review Column

Linda D. Labbo
Reviews Section Editor
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, USA

Editor's Note: Once upon a time, there was a fascinating, talented woman who was able to bring eras, people, historical events, and folktale characters to life in the pages of books written especially for young children. Luckily, that person is more than "once upon a time" -- she is Diane Stanley, the featured author in this review column and the guest at a "live chat" held at the annual convention of the International Reading Association in May 1999.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Diane Stanley's picture biographies is her distinctive and elegant artwork. She uses her unique style in artful portrayals of the life stories of fascinating people and folklore characters such as Cleopatra, Charles Dickens, Rapunzel, Good Queen Bess, Shaka, and Shakespeare. Her well-researched biographies are sure to appeal to a wide range of children and are accessible even to those as young as 7 or 8 years. Her books have been recognized by the American Library Association, Boston Globe/Horn Book, and the American Booksellers Association. Stanley lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and frequent co-author, Peter Vennema, and their son.

The books reviewed are as follows:

• Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare
• Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations
• Cleopatra
• Joan of Arc
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Petrosinella: A Neapolitan Rapunzel

Where possible, links to publishers' websites are provided. For more about Diane Stanley, visit her website at www.dianestanley.com. To read the transcript of the chat with Diane Stanley, click here.

Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare. Diane Stanley; Peter Vennema, contributor. William Morrow & Company, 1998. ISBN 0-688-16294-0. 48 pages. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

One of the things that both children and adults are likely to enjoy about this book is its creators' recognition of the difference between historic and imagination-based story events. The life and times of Shakespeare's 16th century are brilliantly portrayed through theatrical costumes, everyday clothing, Tudor-style buildings, and richly detailed scenes. Young readers are likely to draw conclusions about how events, circumstances, and setting influenced the contents and characters included in Shakespeare's plays. This book was an American Library Association Notable Book.

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Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations. Diane Stanley; Peter Vennema, contributor. William Morrow & Company, 1993. ISBN 0-688-09110-5. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

The complex life of Charles Dickens is carefully woven by Stanley and Vennema in a book that is as richly decorative and entertaining as an intricate tapestry. As children read this book, they may come to understand how the grittiness of Dickens's childhood years in Victorian London shaped his selection of topics, characters, and themes as an adult writer. For example, when his childhood of ease was abruptly interrupted by his father's financial failings, young Charles had to go to work in a factory instead of attending school. These formative events helped him later to depict the harsh realities of life he included in many of his stories and novels.

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Cleopatra. Diane Stanley; Peter Vennema, contributor. William Morrow & Company, 1997. ISBN 0-688-15480-8. 48 pages. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Based on historical sources, Cleopatra's story unfolds through a series of events that begin in earnest in 51 B.C., when she is 18 years old. The drama of the Egyptian queen's experiences is revealed through a combination of forthright text and luminous illustrations. Paintings of many scenes, with some presented in a mosaic design, enrich the settings and provide an appropriate backdrop for the story. Teachers will appreciate the pronunciation guide which may be used to facilitate shared readings with students. This book was recognized as an American Library Association Notable Book.

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Joan of Arc. Diane Stanley. William Morrow & Company, 1998. ISBN 0-688-14329-6. 40 pages. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book presents a well-told chronological account of seven years in the life of a fascinating, heroic, and tragic figure. Children will be interested to note that the book spans Joan of Arc's teenage years from 13 to 19. After reading it, children are likely to have a better understanding of why this young woman was put to death, and why, almost five centuries later, she was recognized as a saint. Stanley's illustrations literally shine in a style reflective of the gilded and jewel-toned colors that were used in documents of that era.

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Leonardo da Vinci. Diane Stanley. William Morrow & Company, 1996. ISBN 0-688-10438-X. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

The wit, imagination, intelligence, and creativity of da Vinci are beautifully brought to life under Stanley's pen and brush. Illustrated in a style reminiscent of the Old Masters, the book highlights Leonardo's experiences as a scientist, artist, engineer, and inventor. Children will be intrigued by the dozens of small details that add depth and insight into the character of this genius. Adults who share this book with children may wish to have a mirror on hand so the youngsters can read Leonardo's backward writing, which appears on the dust jacket.

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Petrosinella: A Neapolitan Rapunzel. Retold and illustrated by Diane Stanley. Dial Books for Young Readers, 1995. ISBN 0-8-37-1712-1. Unpaged. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Children who are familiar with the traditional version of Rapunzel will find an elegantly written companion in Petrosinella. In the front matter of the book, the author informs readers that her retelling draws on an oral tradition that dates from more than 200 years before the Brothers Grimm told the story of Rapunzel. Written and illustrated in typically rich and engaging Stanley style, the tale includes the classic elements of the main character's long golden hair, magical events, and a handsome sweetheart. However, children will enjoy finding out how the heroine in Stanley's tale finds the strength to be instrumental in solving her own problem.

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Go to transcript of online chat with Diane Stanley

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