Review by Booklist Review
Jane Austen is introduced here as someone who lived a simple life, neither rich nor famous in her time. But as the book goes on to detail, she became one of our greatest writers. This is an up-close introduction to Austen, following her through her childhood as part of a lively household. She liked games and putting on plays, and above all, loved to bury herself in books. The notes Austen kept, both in her head and in journals, of nineteenth-century life prepared her to start writing when she was just a teenager. Along with the personal and professional history, Hopkinson does a fine job of explaining how Austen's books were different the fresh realism she brought to writing was something new. This is also a story of a girl's empowerment. Austen had a dream and followed it, and with initial help from her father, was able to achieve it. It's not until the back matter time line that readers will place the events, though the airy, inviting watercolor-and-ink illustrations will make clear this is history.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Writing in a warm-humored, matter-of-fact tone, Hopkinson traces Jane Austen's path from a curious and shy childhood into a quiet adulthood as a practiced and determined author. Hopkinson clearly emphasizes how Austen's work was, in many respects, revolutionary, despite the "simple life" she led: "Jane went her own way, inventing a new kind of story about real people, and sisters (like Cassandra and herself), who longed to follow their dreams." Leng's watercolors combine light, blushing shades of color with delicate ink outlines, bringing a fitting lightness to the story of a writer who wanted readers to "recognize (and laugh at) themselves" in her books. It's a charming account of pride and persistence that concludes by wondering "if Jane would be surprised to learn that her books are still read and loved by people all over the world? Maybe. Then again, maybe not." Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Born at the turn of the 19th century, Jane Austen is now considered one of the world's greatest writers, but she grew up simply. In a house filled with boys and books, she was encouraged in her writing by her father who ran a boarding school. Hopkinson begins her appealing introduction to this beloved writer using a familiar Austen phrase "It is a truth universally acknowledged..." Most of Hopkinson's short, straightforward text focuses on the writer's childhood: her shy habit of observation; family life with her sister and many brothers; her enjoyment of family theatrical productions, reading, and writing; and her father's support. The final pages introduce her adult work, her new way of storytelling: "to hold up a mirror to the ordinary world so readers could recognize (and laugh at) themselves." Hopkinson makes clear the different expectations for men and women at the time, and points out that the four novels published in Austen's lifetime were credited to an unnamed "lady." Gentle ink and watercolor illustrations perfectly reflect the tone and understated humor of Austen's writing. Ranging from vignettes to spreads, Leng's art will help readers picture the time and place while focusing on domestic interiors, happy family occasions, and Austen at work. The back matter includes a time line and description of six novels. VERDICT Gentle, charming, and informative, this welcome addition to any library should plant a seed for later enjoyment of Austen's work.-Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature -Specialist, Pasadena, MD © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Hopkinson's picture-book biography has a narrow focus: Jane Austen's mostly uneventful life was spent observing others, and she combined this knowledge with her love of reading--and her father's gift of a mahogany writing box--to pursue an extraordinary writing career. Accompanying Hopkinson's pithy text are Leng's loose, delicate, ink and watercolor illustrations, which fittingly accentuate Jane's youthfulness and the playfulness of her writing. Timeline, websites. Bib. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A simple introduction to Jane Austen's life and work.Hopkinson's light, conversational tone and obvious appreciation for her subject combine with Qin's lively ink-and-watercolor illustrations to create an engaging portrait of this talented writer. The relatively brisk recital of the events of Jane Austen's life is leavened by insights into her personality and childhood experiences. Realistic vignettes, single-page illustrations, and double-page spreads of Jane and her family accompany and expand the text; generous use of white space and delicate linework give the pictures an airy feel. Unlike Lisa Pliscou and Jen Corace's practically simultaneously publishing biography (Brave Jane Austen, 2018), potentially distressing details are glossed over, and the narrative focuses on Austen's early years. No mention is made of Jane's serious illness as a child or of the Austen family's financial difficulties. Rather, the focus is on Jane's appreciation for her father's extensive library, her pleasure in writing amusing stories for her family to enjoy, and the fun of family theatricals and games. This approach brings Jane endearingly to life for an audience that has likely never heard of her and provides context for the description of her later experiences and lauded writing style. Several pages of backmatter, including a timeline, summaries of Austen's major works, and additional resources, may be beyond the interest and abilities of most young listeners but share the accessible tone of the text. A perfectly pitched celebration of an esteemed author that may nevertheless struggle somewhat to find an audience. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
