E. B. White

Children's Literature

Imagine embarking on an additional career at the age of 54 and capturing the hearts of millions of children by writing three imaginary animal tales about Stuart Little, a well dressed, courageous mouse; Louis, a swan born without a voice; and Wilbur, a pig who was saved from the butcher by a spider named Charlotte. Elwyn Brooks White, dubbed Andy by friends, shared a devotion to animals and followed instincts to launch a new chapter to his writing talents in children's literature. The details of his entire life focus on writing and are chronicled in this easy-to-read biography. His career included a variety of experiences including stints at compiling a personal journal, poetry, letters, and essays in books, newspapers, and magazines. A job offer from The New Yorker resolved the quest to find his niche, achieve success, and expose the author's wit, humor, and natural writing ability. A timeline pens significant events and accomplishments in his life from birth in 1899 until his death in 1985 at the age of 86. Readers wishing to find additional resources will locate a list of titles, a recording, and Internet addresses. Black-and-white photographs enhance the text and an index assists the reader in finding specific information on the subject of this inspirational author. 2003, Enslow Publishing, Ages 10 to 16.
— Barbara Troisi

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-According to Ford, Seuss attributed much of his success to luck. Litwin notes that White was strongly advised against publishing Stuart Little. These introductions are followed by chronological presentations of the writers' lives. Although both books discuss the men's works to some degree, they contain more biographical information than literary criticism. End matter includes incomplete and/or ineffectual time lines; books and/or writings by the featured author; chapter notes; and a section on further reading that includes books, Internet sites, and, in White, a recording. Black-and-white, captioned photographs appear in each chapter. The texts read well, and students researching these authors will find enough information for reports. Stuart P. Levine's Dr. Seuss (Lucent, 2001) focuses more on Seuss's writing. Beverly Gherman's E. B. White: Some Writer! (Atheneum, 1992), Janice Tingum's E. B. White: The Elements of a Writer (Lerner, 1995), and David R. Collins's To the Point: A Story about E. B. White (Carolrhoda, 1989) each has its own flaws and focus but combined will give readers a more complete picture of this well-known author.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.