(2) 4-6 Children’s literature scholar Marcus provides valuable insight into early NASA history with this account of the famous titular photograph, taken from lunar orbit by Bill Anders, of the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. After introducing Earthrise as “an image that changed the world,” inspiring Earth Day and the environmental movement, Marcus looks back to the beginning of the space race with the Soviet launch of Sputnik and traces NASA’s efforts to catch up and pull ahead before focusing on Apollo 8 and its crew. Readers meet “perfectionist” commander Frank Borman, “easygoing” navigator Jim Lovell, and “doggedly task-oriented” Anders, who was the official photographer as well as systems engineer. Contextualizing the voyage within the turbulence of the year 1968 and rumors of an up-coming Soviet moonshot, Marcus describes how Apollo 8’s mission was hastily reoriented just four months before liftoff, amping up the tension. Quotes from transcripts enable Marcus to put readers in the capsule with Borman, Lovell, and Anders; Borman’s spontaneous “Oh, my God” at the astronauts’ first sight of Earth beyond the moon’s horizon underscores the effect of the moment. It also helps twenty-first-century young people understand how the novelty of that vision made Earthrise the powerful statement it became, which Marcus discusses in the final chapters. Carefully captioned photographs and occasional dives into related topics enhance the presentation. Back matter includes a thorough bibliography and source notes.

Reviewer: Vicky Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) 4-6 Marcus presents a gathering of essays on seven of the Caldecott honorees, one from each decade: Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner, and, in this updated edition, Mordicai Gerstein. The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1998

(2) 4-6 Marcus looks at four families of picture-book artists (and one writer/artist family). He provides glimpses into their lives, leaving it to the reader to spot the similarities and differences between them. Photos of the book creators and reproductions of their work illustrate the text. The only disappointment is a truncated list of published works by each family.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2007

(2) 4-6 With his broad knowledge of the field, Marcus provides unusual insight into the topic of artistic partnerships. Five biographical essays each focus on a particular picture book; the collaborations selected offer a wide range of styles and methods. Marcus's analysis, with clear explanations and plenty of visuals, raises this book to the level of art and literary criticism. Stylish and handsomely designed, this book lives up to its subject. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002

(2) 4-6 In observance of the sixtieth anniversary of the Caldecott Medal, Marcus presents a gathering of essays on six of the honorees, one from each decade: Robert McCloskey, Marcia Brown, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. The text is remarkable for the smooth integration of explanatory material with overall commentary, and selective detail creates a sense of intimacy and understanding. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1998