Teen Fiction - Boys & Young Men, Teen Fiction - Entertainment & Arts, Teen Fiction - Peoples & Cultures

The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice

Name: The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice
Author: Say, Allen
ISBN: 9780756968113

by Say, Allen

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Overview

About the Author: Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age twelve, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, Say learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained Say's mentor. Say illustrated his first children's book -- published in 1972 -- in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, Say continued writing and illustrating children's books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in his master's studio. It was then that Say decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children's books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including TREE OF CRANES and GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. He is a full-time writer and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon.

A fourteen-year-old boy lives on his own in Tokyo and becomes apprenticed to a famous Japanese cartoonist.

About the Author, Say, Allen

Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age twelve, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, Say learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained Say's mentor. Say illustrated his first children's book—published in 1972—in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, Say continued writing and illustrating children's books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in his master's studio. It was then that Say decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children's books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including TREE OF CRANES and GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. He is a full-time writer and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon.

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

From The Critics

"A warm, sensitive portrait of growing up in post-war Japan."

Children's Literature - Melissa A. Caudill

Award winning children's author and illustrator Allen Say writes an interesting twist on his "autobiography" by focusing on his formative years as a teenager growing up in post-World War II Japan. He struck out on his own at age thirteen to become an apprentice to a famous Japanese cartoonist and learned much about himself during his three year's working with his sensei and co-apprentice. Kiyoi, his Japanese name, lived alone, attended a private middle school, and painted the backgrounds for his master apprentice. His strength of character, will to succeed at what he loves, and self-discoveries will keep readers turning the pages. Many young readers will be intrigued and shocked at his independence at such a young age. Older readers familiar with Say's picture books, including the Caldecott winning book Grandfather's Journey, will enjoy learning about the artists who influenced his work and the journeys that inspired his work. Overall, it is a fascinating look at the hustle and bustle of post-war Japan. The book contains some more mature topics that parents and teachers might want to preview before recommending this title to younger readers.