Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Nonfiction Books for Kids, Early Elementary History Books)

A picture book biography about John Newbery, pioneering author and publisher--for whom the prestigious Newbery medal is named--and the revolution in children's books that he led. This delightful picture book biography is “ a stellar introduction to ‘the father of children’s literature,’ and a glorious example of dynamic bookmaking” ( School Library Journal , starred review). In Balderdash!, acclaimed children’s book author Michelle Markel shares a loving tribute to John Newbury, the first pioneer of children's books. In the eighteenth century, children were given nothing to read but lessons and rules. John Newbery imagined books overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games—and he caused quite a stir when he made this dream a reality. Newbery—for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named—believed that every book should be made for the reader's enjoyment. He became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children's books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish. This rollicking and fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of the first pioneer of children's books—John Newbery himself. While most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader's enjoyment. Newbery—for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named—became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children's books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish. AThis rollicking and fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of the first pioneer of children's books--John Newbery himself. While most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader's enjoyment. Newbery--for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named--became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children's books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish A picture book chronicle of the life of children's book pioneer John Newbery describes how he imagined books filled with stories, science and games before becoming a celebrated author and publisher, changing the literary world forever Describes John Newbery's life and how he reinvented children's literature by creating books that were designed to bring young children pleasure and entertainment, as opposed to mere instruction