Author Fiesta

America's melting pot through the eyes of Leo Politi

 

Leo enjoyed writing about the cultures of Los Angeles and other areas of California. California, with its rich immigrant history, is a microcosm of the melting pot that is the United States. I especially have enjoyed seeing these cultures through Leo's eyes - how they were during his lifetime. Maybe that is one reason I enjoy his work so much - being the granddaughter of immigrants, I am fascinated by the traditions and cultures of the immigrant cultures of this country. He was very innovative as a children’s author in this way.

When Leo began his career, stories set in America took place "in the city" or "in the town" or "on the farm," not within a specific ethnic neighborhood.  Leo's decision to set stories in the barrio, or in Chinatown, or in Little Tokyo was, for its time, a significant change. Although "multicultural" is a common word and idea now, it wasn't when Leo first started writing books. And his sprinkling of foreign language words and phrases throughout his pages, that too was a concepto nuevo - a new idea.  ~From Leo Politi Artist of the Angels by Ann Stalcup

Leo's life's work - both at home and in his books - was to make sure the small and large wonders of the world were appreciated. Says (his son) Paul, "Dad experienced life, and he wanted to share with people, especially children, things that he thought they might not see for themselves - a flower, a culture, a moment." ~From Leo Politi Artist of the Angels by Ann Stalcup

Here is a breakdown of his books by culture in case you are interested in including them in a study of that culture.

Mexican American Culture & Traditions
Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street (1946) - Christmas, las Posadas
Juanita (1948) - Easter, blessing of the animals
The Nicest Gift (1973) - Christmas
Three Stalks of Corn (1976) - foods and legends

Italian American Culture & Traditions
A Boat for Peppe (1950) -fishing, festivals
Little Leo (1951) - autobiographical

Chinese American Culture & Traditions
Moy Moy (1960) - Chinese New Year, dances & parades
Mr. Fong's Toy Shop (1978) - Moon Festival, puppet theater

Japanese American Culture & Traditions
Mieko (1969) - Nisei week, Ondo parade

Leo Politi Book Lists and Resources

Following up on the earlier post to guess the November artist/illustrator.  Rachel guessed that it will be Leo Politi and we discussed him some in the comments section there.  This year, November 21, would have been his 100th birthday. Jennifer just mentioned she has Song of the Swallows and was wondering if that is the author. Yes, it is! And that is just the tip of the iceburg.

Jennifer also mentioned that book is all she has. Most of his books are unfortunately out of print but very much worth finding used or from interlibrary loan if they aren't available to you locally. I find his work enchanting - very rich with cultural traditions and heritage of different ethnic groups in America. They are a great look at our melting pot history starting with the founding of the missions in California. It's still a bit early to officially start this November study but not so when one considers it may take some time to locate more books. Do take the time and effort to seek out a few of his books - you will not be disappointed!

Here is a listing of the books that Leo Politi wrote and illustrated.

Here is a listing of books that Leo Politi illustrated but were written by other authors.

Biographical resources
Leo Politi: Artist of the Angels - Ann Stalcup (children's biography)
Leo Politi: Capturing the Heart of Los Angeles - Rob Wagner (to be published No. 2008)

Samples of his art work and illlustrations.

Narration Idea

A creative way to do an oral narration of a book is through a dramatic production or puppet show. Jim Arnosky's books lend themselves well to a presentation by stuffed animals or puppets.  We have quite a collection of animal puppets and other stuffed animals so this was a natural choice. Even without actual animal puppets or stuffed animals, children could pretend to be the animals or paper animal puppets could be made (ala Crinkleroot) or use animal figurines for a mini show. After reading a book, the child(ren) can present the information and facts about that animal as a show acted out by the animal being featured in the book.  This works well with the "All About" or "One Whole Day" books.  With other Arnosky picture books that tell more of a story, such as Every Autumn Comes the Bear or Coyote Raid in Cactus Canyon the show could be a re-enactment of the storyline.

READY, SET, ACTION!

The Works of Tasha Tudor

Tasha's first story, Pumpkin Moonshine, was published in 1938. Subsequently she illustrated nearly one hundred books, the most recent was The Corgiville Christmas, in 2003.  She received many awards and honors, including  Caldecott Honors for Mother Goose and 1 is One and the Regina Medal in 1971 for her contribution to enriching children's literature.

Here is a bibliography of books written and illustrated by Tasha Tudor during her life. It doesn't include any after 1997. You will need to add The Corgiville Christmas.

As with previous authors you can start here with the Author Research Sheet:  Author Research Sheet  You can find out much about Tasha's life from this article: Lives That Changed Lives: Tasha Tudor.

First Author Booklist

In preparation of the May Author Fiesta study, you may print out this booklist and take it to the library with you.  Find as many books by this author as you can, check them out, and bring them home. 

Author bio sheet, copywork, and research sheet will be made available soon:

Books by Patricia Polacco (PDF file)

My children and I have, in the past, really enjoyed the "Meet the Author" series. These books will serve as a perfect invitation for your child's visit with the famous Author Fiesta personalities.

See if your library has this book: Firetalking by Patricia Polacco.