The word “perfect” is defined as “having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be” (Oxford online dictionary).
Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by John Rocco is a perfect picture book biography.
When I am looking for a picture book biography, I am hoping to find something that captures the essence of the subject. Something that makes me want to love the subject. Something that is suitable for all ages. Something that lets me enter into the world of that subject in a way that I cannot do on my own. And, something that is beautiful, or lovely, or creative to behold. Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton does that in spades.
“. . . having all the desired elements”
In Big Machines Rinker places Burton (Jinnie) in her setting, introduces us to her two machine-loving sons, tells us how Jinnie would study a machine before she tried to capture it on paper, and then invites us to delight in Burton’s magical powers of storytelling. At the end of the book, she provides two pages of biographical information to give the reader a little more of the story. From a story standpoint, Rinker gives us all of the desired elements.
Virginia Lee Burton’s illustration was as compelling as her storytelling. Expert illustration was absolutely requisite for this biography, and John Rucco did a masterful job. Imitating her iconic style, he illustrated her process perfectly.
Another essential element of a picture book biography is that the story must invite readers young and old into the magical story of the subject. As a mama, I so enjoyed watching a mama love her boys well and do for them what only she could do. As a librarian, I love that this story is bound to be loved by children who love Burton’s work. What child who loves Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel wouldn’t love knowing that in a way Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann were real?
“. . . as good as it is possible to be . . .”
The story is lively, lovely, imaginative, and honors Burton’s style. The illustration is magical and alternates between Burton’s life and her work. I cannot imagine how this book could be any better. You can find this book at Amazon here. But, I bet that your local private lending librarian has it or will want to acquire it if you show them this review. Also, head over to Biblioguides to add this to your wishlist and discover more gems like it.
