Jan Brett

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Jan Brett
picture books
Notable works
  • Annie and the Wild Animals
  • The Mitten
  • The Hat
Website
janbrett.com

Jan Brett (born December 1, 1949) is an American illustrator and writer of children's picture books. Her colorful, detailed depictions of a wide variety of animals and human cultures range from

The Owl and the Pussycat
."

Life

Brett was born and still lives in Massachusetts.

School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and now travels extensively to research architecture and costume for her books.[1]

Brett's earliest book in the

Houghton Mifflin in 1981. Beginning with Annie and the Wild Animals (Houghton Mifflin, 1985) she created numerous picture books as writer and illustrator. For a few years she continued to work with other writers, especially Eve Bunting, but she has rarely done so since 1990.[3]

On August 18, 1980 Jan Brett married bassist Joseph Hearne, a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1962.

Brett maintains a list of books online that may be complete for her original writings and adaptations. For almost every listing she identifies a specific setting such as

Novgorod, Russia, for her recent adaptation Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella (2013).[4]

Works

Illustrated [5]

Written & Illustrated [5]

Awards

Brett's works have been nominated for and won multiple awards over the years.[10]

Reception

The Mitten: The Mitten has been positively perceived by libraries and parents alike. Fulton County's Library reviewed it by saying how its seemingly simple premise may seem unappealing for a book, but the beautiful illustrations make the story come alive. The library called it a book families would read and reread to their children again and again.[12] Common Sense Media wrote in their "Parents Need to Know" section that The Mitten is a special book that families can treasure. This is because of the whimsical, wholesome illustrations, and charming story that bring the story to life.[13]

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella: According to Kirkus Reviews, Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella is a captivating retelling and rendition of Cinderella.[14] Publishers Weekly also commented on how detailed and charming the illustrations are, adding to the enchantment of the classic fairy tale. [15]

Mossy: Kirkus Reviews recommended Mossy for plant and animal lovers for a wide array of reasons. These reasons include the unique heroine, (a turtle growing a garden on the back of her shell) and themes covered in the book, (the art in nature and all living things.) [16] Publishers Weekly called Brett's meticulous illustrations and beautiful rendering of nature in Mossy as delightful and attention-grabbing.[17]

In May 2023 at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, New York, there was an exhibition dedicated to Brett's Illustrations. The exhibition director, Chris Rossi, commented on how the details in Brett's paintings are eye-catching and intricate. The amount of studying she puts into her books also adds to making her art feel more lively and detailed.[18]

Readers respond very positively to her signature, intricate art style. They'll often describe it as beautiful, adorable, imaginative, and enchanting. They believe the art complements the whimsical stories Brett writes well.[19]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Jan Brett". Jan Brett. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  2. ^ "Woodland crossings". Library of Congress Catalog. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  3. ^ a b "Brett, Jan, 1949–". Library of Congress Authorities. Retrieved 2014-05-12. For catalog records in sequence, select "LC Online Catalog" and sort by "Date (oldest to newest)".
  4. ^ "Books by Jan Brett". Jan Brett (janbrett.com). Retrieved 2014-05-12. Some books are represented by later editions.
  5. ^ a b "Books by Jan Brett and Complete Book Reviews". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  6. ISBN 978-0-89919-541-4
    .
  7. ISBN 978-0-89919-702-9
    .
  8. ISBN 978-0-89919-799-9
    .
  9. ISBN 978-0-553-15673-7
    .
  10. ^ "Jan Brett | Author | LibraryThing". LibraryThing.com. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  11. ^ "Jan Brett Receives Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association". 15 February 2021.
  12. ^ "Picture Book Review: The Mitten by Jan Brett". www.fulcolibrary.org. 2022-03-03. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  13. ^ Movie & TV reviews for parents. "The Mitten (20th Anniversary Edition) Book Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  14. ^ "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella". www.kirkusreviews.com. Kirkus Media LLC. 13 November 2013. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  15. ^ "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella". www.publishersweekly.com. PWxyz LLC. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  16. ^ "Mossy". www.kirkusreviews.com. Kirkus Media LLC. 22 July 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  17. ^ "Mossy". www.publishersweekly.com. PWxyz LLC. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  18. ^ Barry, Rebecca Rego (2021-05-03). "The Cozy, Homey, Intricate Illustrations of Jan Brett". Literary Hub. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  19. ^ "The Mitten". Goodreads. Retrieved 2024-03-18.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jan_Brett&oldid=1214541041"