E.B. Lewis by Jasmine Yanich

Background information

dslags94 — 2014-11-17 15:45:44 UTC

E.B. Lewis was born December 16, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA. He was influenced by his two uncles who were also artists. As a middle school student, he attended the Temple University School of Art League on Saturdays. This sparked his interest for art and illustration. Eventually, he attended Temple University's Tyler School of Art and majored in graphic design and illustration in combination with art education. Lewis is a former art educator having taught in public school for twelve years. He currently teaches at the University of Arts in Philadelphia. He continues to paint and illustrate in his studio and is a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York City.

Creative process

dslags94 — 2014-11-17 15:46:27 UTC

E.b Lewis's favorite medium to illustrate is watercolor, which can be found in the majority of his work. Lewis also uses a lot of photograph references in his books. He sets out to find someone in his community to participate in the photo scenes which are later used as the platform for his illustrations. His work features visual language that communicates deeper meaning.

Intresting Facts

dslags94 — 2014-11-17 15:51:03 UTC

E.B. Lewis has illustrated over 65 children's books. He coined the term "artistrator" and

began his career as a fine artist. The term "artistrator" refers to both the art of illustration

and artistic creativity.

Below is the link for the video where E.B. Lewis discusses his coining of the term "artistrator"

E.B. Lewis

jyanich — 2014-11-17 16:21:48 UTC

By: Jasmine Yanich and Derek Slagle

Awards/distinctions

jyanich — 2014-11-17 16:35:57 UTC

1996 Notable Book Selection by the ALA for Down the Road

1999 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for Bat Boy and His Violin

2000 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for My Rows and Piles of Coins

2001 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys

2002 Notable Book Selection by the ALA for The Other Side

2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for Talkin' About Bessie

2005 Caldecott Honor Book for Coming on Home Soon

2005 PA School Librarians Association named him their Outstanding Pennsylvania Illustrator of the Year

Themes

jyanich — 2014-11-17 16:38:27 UTC

E.B. Lewis has a great deal of choice in selecting the books that

he ultimately illustrates. He often selects books that present

challenging issues to help children cope with topics such as death,

loss, and love. The focus of his books are set in African American

communities. His books evoke emotion and touch the heart.

E.B Lewis Interview

dslags94 — 2014-11-17 16:38:37 UTC

List of books illustrated by E.B. Lewis

dslags94 — 2014-11-17 16:41:57 UTC

D is for Drinking Gourd by Nancy I. Sanders (2007)

Creativity by John Steptoe (1997)

Across the Alley by Richard Michelson (2006)

Joe-Joe's First Flight by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (2008)

Fire on the Mountain by Jane Kurtz (1994)

The Bat Boy & His Violin by Gavin Curtis (1998)

Keeping the Night Watch by Hope Anita Smith (2008)

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson (2001)

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson (2013)

Summary of The Bat Boy and His Violin

jyanich — 2014-11-17 17:44:11 UTC

Reginald loves to play the violin; however, his papa wants him to be the bat boy for the baseball team he manages. When Reginald starts playing the violin in the dugout when the team is batting, the team starts to win. In the end, Reginald's Papa realizes that he does like the music and lets his son play his recital at their house and in the dugout. As a result, the baseball team is no longer the worst team in the league.

References

jyanich — 2014-11-20 17:12:46 UTC

Jasmine's Quote

jyanich — 2014-11-20 17:13:56 UTC

"Coming from a public school that was very diverse, the concepts of multicultural and social issues has always been something that I have dealt with. After exploring the illustrations of E.B. Lewis and his background, I have come to the conclusion that addressing multicultural and social issues at a young age is very important. I plan to use many works dealing with these issues and making sure that I use the illustrations as well as the text to help students understand what these issues are and how we can all help to minimize them in the classroom."

Derek's Quote

jyanich — 2014-11-20 17:14:02 UTC

"By examining E.B. Lewis and his illustrations, I have come to the realization that the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is true. I plan to use the illustrations in all of the books I read to my class to help them develop more understanding of the text, especially in a text that addresses multicultural or social issues."

Professional Connection

jyanich — 2014-11-28 14:45:02 UTC

Interdisciplinary Ideas

jyanich — 2014-11-28 15:16:31 UTC