Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression by Carole Boston Weatherford & illustrated by Sarah Green

About the book: Before she raised her lens to take her most iconic photo, Dorothea Lange took photos of the downtrodden from bankers in once-fine suits waiting in breadlines, to former slaves, to the homeless sleeping on sidewalks. A case of polio had left her with a limp and sympathetic to those less fortunate. Traveling across the United States, documenting with her camera and her fieldbook those most affected by the stock market crash, she found the face of the Great Depression. In this picture book biography, Carole Boston Weatherford with her lyrical prose captures the spirit of the influential photographer.

My thoughts: I have long admired the photograph of the woman with her children revealing the impact of the Great Depression on the poor. This image invokes such emotion and sympathy. Never knowing who snapped the image recording it for thousands to see, it was a privilege to learn a bit about the individual responsible.

Migrant Mother by Dorothea Lange

In this children's book the unusual life of Dorothea Lange is briefly told from her history of crippling polio to her traveling across the United States capturing images of the people and their hardships and emotions. As the author states... "she was a storyteller with a camera."

The uncorrected proof I received, showed the illustrations in basic neutrals with only touches of color. The figures are basic and look somewhat abstract in form. This is in keeping with the bleak, bare story Dorothea Lange captured in her photography.

A children's book, this is a good introduction to how capturing the faces and emotions with a camera can benefit generations to come and tell the story.

DISCLOSURE: I received an uncorrected proof to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own, alone.

Nostalgic look at books from years past: Flicka, Ricka and Dicka Go To Market by Maj Lindman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: I saw Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Go to Market and immediately my mind took a stroll down memory lane. I'm a child of the 1940s - yes, I realize that is a bit telling, but then let's be honest about it. That was a fantastic time to grow up. The 1940s and 1950s saw the end of WWII, the Korean War, a simpler life style, a safer world to live in, and kids could roam the neighborhood without fear.

The series of Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka began in the 1940s in Sweden and this particular copy of when they Go to Market has been republished by Albert Whitman & Company in 1958. The story was originally published in 1946. Whitman's is selling this new printing of the 1958 edition - see it at their website - click here. In fact, they have several of the stories in print.

The illustrations are charming, happy, colorful, and lively. Clearly a style that was used by many illustrators during the 1940s and 1950s.  Originating in Sweden, the triplets have blue eyes and blond hair which is typical of that country's population. And while the original story is from Sweden, the illustrations and story are timeless and would fit in many countries. This edition definitely has a vintage look true to the original.

The story revolves around the girls wanting a bicycle and they need the money to get one. Keep in mind, that bikes were an exception and a costly item for most families during this time frame. And many families would have the child earn the money to purchase it or to help purchase it.

Nicely flowing text tells the story of the girls as they take on a project of gardening and then selling their produce at market in order to acquire their bicycle. A super story and a great re-introduction into children's story time.

Special to this book: In the back is a pocket with two sheets of paper dolls. One sheet has each of the triplets and the other has a change of clothes for them. Paper dolls were a treat during the 1920s-1960s. Sadly, this simple play item has become largely passé.

About the book: Flicka, Ricka and Dicka are three sisters who live in Sweden. The have blond hair and blue eyes and look very much alike. After the family moves to the country, the girls realize they need bicycles to ride to school. To earn the money, they decide to plant vegetables to sell at the market. They work hard choosing seeds, planting, weeding, watering, and selling too many vegetables to think about themselves! This edition also includes paper dolls of Flicka, Ricka and Dicka!

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Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone, and I was not compensated.