Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing

Product Description Iconic pop artist Keith Haring comes to life for young readers in this picture book biography lovingly written by his sister This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist’s great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith's signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker. This is a story to inspire, and a book for Keith Haring fans of all ages to treasure. From School Library Journal K-Gr 3—This artist monograph benefits from the intimate familiarity of the creators with the subject: it is written by Keith Haring's sister and illustrated by one of his colleagues from the 1980s New York City art scene. The author emphasizes Haring's early appreciation of art and his later generosity with it. The illustrations incorporate sketches made by a young Haring, and the text explores how he would go on to give many of his paintings away or create them in public places. The title offers an enlightening look at the merits of street art and how it allows those who may not ordinarily venture into a museum or gallery to experience and enjoy art. The visuals, created with a Mac computer and pencil, are inspired by the illustrator's personal photos and memories of the time period. Haring's later works, from his adult years, are included; an addendum features reproductions as well as family photos. Children will relate to young Haring's drive to pursue his calling despite naysayers. VERDICT This book will help fill contemporary art history gaps within library collections for children.—Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Review * "This laudatory biography, written by Haring’ssister, is guided by his unapologetic rejection of artistic pretension and illustratedin—what else?—a friendly and accessible cartoony style that fluidly integratesHaring’s own work on subway cars and buildings, as well as in galleries." — Horn Book, starred review "Neubecker’s colorful illustrations capture the energy with which Keith [Haring] lived his life, and cleverly integrate some of the artist’s original works... Always upbeat, this story is a celebration of art and life." — Booklist "Neubecker neatly incorporates Haring's real pieces into these zesty, bustling, digital-and-pencil illustrations.... Haring's work pops; Neubecker's compositions and enthusiastic crowd scenes do it wonderful credit." — Kirkus "An enlightening look at the merits of street art and how it allows those who may not ordinarily venture into a museum or gallery to experience and enjoy art....Children will relate to young Haring’s drive to pursue his calling despite naysayers." —School Library Journal "Cheerily energetic....Schools with “Picture Person” programs, as well as primary grades art teachers, will want to share this appealing title." —BCCB "Exuberant...Neubecker (I Won a What?) combines images of Haring’s work (all identified in a closing spread) with his own punchy cartooning, which dovetails perfectly with the effervescent energy that characterized Haring’s imagery." —Publishers Weekly From the Inside Flap There was a boy named Keith who liked to draw...So he drew...and drew...until one day, he was one of the mostfamous artists in New York City. But that didn't matter to Keith Haring.He cared about sharing his artwork witheveryone and making the world a betterplace. And all the while, he just keptdrawing. This boldly illustrated picture bookbrings the life and art of this iconicpop artist to life for young readers andartists. Written by Keith Haring's sisterKay and featuring dozens of his actualdrawings and paintings, this is a one-of-a-kind book about a one-of-a-kind artist. Penguin Young Readers Group345 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014 Penguin.com/youngreaders From the Back Cover Keith Haring was an iconic artist whorose to promi