Jim! Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James Marshall

Nodding to the expressive, loose linework and gleefully direct prose of creator James Marshall (1942–1992), Connors, making his traditionally published picture book debut, chronicles six pivotal moments in the life of a children’s literature legend. Digitally enhanced ink and watercolor artwork, peppered with Easter eggs from the subject’s books, portray “Jim” as a red fox leading a cast of anthropomorphized animals. The short chapters include his collaborating with pal Harry, a gator, on Miss Nelson Is Missing!; finding love with cat Billy; forging joyful friendships with fellow literary mischief-makers (pig Arnold and bulldog Maurice); and experiencing final days in the hospital. In one sequence, Marshall bristles at having his work labeled “cute” or “zany,” and candidly tells schoolchildren that he based Viola Swamp on a second grade teacher who said he’d never be an artist (“You can bet she knows I’m an artist now!” he declares to a group of cheering kids). In short, the figure emerges as poignantly, comically human—just like the beloved characters he created and the generations of readers who have embraced his stories. An author’s note provides more context, including around Marshall’s death from AIDS. Ages 5–8. (May)