Peter Sis is an author / illustrator of whom I have only become aware in the last few months and was bought three of his books for Christmas by family. Sis has a history which could be made into a book or film itself. He was born in Czechoslovakia shortly after the end of the Second World War and having trained as an artist became a film maker. In the early 80s he was given permission to travel to the USA by the Czech government to make a film of their athletes' participation in the Olympics. Due to a boycott the athletes never took part in the games and also Sis made the decision not to return home and still lives in the USA to this day.
This book tells the fascinating story of Galileo from his childhood through to his imprisonment by the church in fairly simple detail which will entrance children but it is the illustrations which bring this absolutely to life. It is the mixture of sophisticated illustration with story telling. The layout of the print and the use of a range of fonts and different styles adds to the effect of the writing. I also like the fact that Sis tunes the reader in giving them extra information such as other events which took place at the same time.
A book which is beautiful, informative and thought provoking.
I am an avid collector of children's literature from Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. This posterous blog is an attempt to join the present trend for 365 postings over one year where I will seek to recommend a different book every day for the next year. I do reserve the right to post two on one day to catch up where necessary.
All images are provided as a result of making this site an affiliate of Amazon. Any monies raised through this will be given to the NSPCC a British Children's Charity.
I am an avid collector of children's literature from Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. 