Ted Lewin
Born in upstate New York to a family that included three siblings, one of whom was a professional wrestler, and a collection of unusual pets including a lion, chimpanzee, and an iguana, Ted Lewin's early years were a bit unconventional. As a young man he courted his wife Betsy by inviting her to a pasta dinner that he conned his roommate into serving and then he serenaded her with his violin.
One thing was constant; Lewin wanted to be an illustrator. It began during the days of his childhood when he copied the works of artists he admired. Going to art school was a costly undertaking and to finance his studies at Pratt, he took a summer job as a wrestler. It actually became a fifteen-year part-time career and is recounted in his autobiography I Was a Teen-Age Professional Wrestler (1993, Orchard, Ages 11 up, $18.95), a book that has been singled out as an ALA Notable. His career as an artist began with illustrations for adventure magazines, but these days he is working full time on children's books-a job that he finds more fun than anything he has ever done. His work received a Caldecott Honor in 1994 for Peppe the Lamplighter (1993, Lothrop, Ages 5 up, $16.00).
Lewin loves to travel and his travels are his inspiration. The stories come from the people and wild life he encounters. Lewin keeps a journal, sketch books, photographs and recordings to help him record the sights and his impressions. Tiger Trek (1990, Simon & Schuster, Ages 7 up, $14.95) was based on an actual event, a tiger kill that he witnessed and photographed. Sacred River (1995, Clarion, Ages 5 to 8, $14.95) recounts his joining thousands of pilgrims who yearly wend their way to the banks of the sacred river Ganges. "Lewin's artwork eloquently conveys the spirit of a place and its people as few outside the culture have been able to do," noted our reviewer Uma Krishnaswami.
Market (1996, Lothrop, Ages 5 up, $16.00) brings to readers the wonders to be found in a variety of markets around the world. "By the end of the book," commented our reviewer Dr. Hans von Marensdorff, "I was hoping there was more to feast on" Lewin's newest book, The Storytellers, takes readers through the markets of Fez, Morocco, and it is all captured with Lewin's marvelous watercolors.
Reviews
Ali, Child of the Desert
Jonathan London
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Ali had been travelling with his father to the market at Rissani when a Sahara desert storm swallowed the sun, the herd, and his father," and Ali sets out to find them. When he comes upon a Berber herdsman and his flock of goats, he spends the night with them. When they leave in the morning, Ali remains behind with a musket, which he fires periodically to alert the father who must be searching for him. The tale becomes a celebration of the beauty of the desert and of hospitality-the goatherd, who has almost nothing, still shares with a stranger. The illustrations, created from photographs in Ted Lewin's inimitable style, are fantastic. 1997, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, Ages 6 to 9, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0-688-12560-3
ISBN: 0-688-12561-1
Always Prayer Shawl
Sheldon Oberman
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
The Always Prayer Shawl is a gentle, sweet book about how some things in life change, while others don't. It introduces us to Adam, a child in a small Russian village whose grandfather, Adam's namesake, teaches him Jewish traditions. Soon, though, Adam and his parents emigrate to escape the growing hostility toward Jews leaving forever their homeland and Adam's grandfather. At their departure, the grandfather presents Adam with the prayer shawl that he had received from his grandfather. Settling into their new home, everything was different for Adam - except for the prayer shawl he wore every Shabbat. Adam matures and has his own family, but maintains his Jewish customs, and in the family tradition, he, too, has a grandson named Adam. Time changes, politics change, homes change, and people change, but the Adam's prayer shawl always stays the same. The illustrations are moving and cleverly support the message of the text. 1997 (orig. 1993), Viking Penguin/Boyds Mill Press, Ages 8 to 12, $15.95 and $5.99. Reviewer: Dia L. Michels
ISBN: 1-878093-22-3
ISBN: 0-14-056157-9
ISBN: 0-14-038214-3
American Too
Elisa Bartone
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Rosina, newly arrived in America from Italy, wants only to be a real American. Several years pass, and the girls in her Mulberry Street neighborhood still tease her about the traditional Italian necklace that her mother makes her wear; this makes her even more determined to be a "real American." Sitting on her hands to keep from gesturing as she speaks, she changes her name to Rosie and her doll's name from Allesandra to Meghan O'Hara. When the Feast of San Gennaro comes around and Rosie is chosen to be Queen; she is furious. After all, that's an Italian festival, and Rosie is American! But after she calms down, she finds a way to be everything she's always wanted to be-Italian, the Queen of the San Gennaro Festival, and a real American. A very satisfying story for ages 7-10, although the picture book format may put off some. 1996, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, Ages 7 to 10, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
ISBN: 0-688-13278-2
ISBN: 0-688-13279-0
Fair!
Ted Lewin
This large-format book gives the reader a full description of the many things that go on at a county fair from beginning to end. The watercolor illustrations really tell the story, but the words add interesting detail. My favorite scene shows the fair with fireworks bursting in the suddenly illuminated night sky. For children who have never been to such a fair, this book will show them what it's like. And for those whose families attend a fair every year, they can remember the thrill of the rides, the fun of the junk food, and the work of preparing an animal, vegetable, or home-cooked creation to be judged. This is a nice book; my only quibble is that it could have been made more personal by introducing characters and viewing the fair through their eyes. The pictures really capture what a fair looks like. 1997, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books/William Morrow & Company, Ages 8 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Adele Mujal
ISBN: 0-688-12850-5
The Great Pumpkin Switch
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Extraordinary watercolor illustrations add to this grandfather's tale of innocent mischief as a young boy. When Grandpa was asked by his mother to clear away some branches of a fallen tree, his friend Otto came to "help". The two boys get a saw from the shed (without permission) and accidentally cut the vine of Grandpa's sister's special pumpkin. It rolls away and smashes down the steps. The boys are forced to find a replacement. They buy one from the potato man and successfully convince Rosie that it is hers. A lesson is learned. 1996 (orig. 1992), Orchard Books, Ages 4 to 7, $15.95, $16.99 and $5.95. Reviewer: Wendy Ricci
ISBN: 0-531-05450-0
ISBN: 0-531-08600-3
ISBN: 0-531-07065-4
I Was a Teen-Age Professional Wrestler
Ted Lewin
Ted Lewin has illustrated over 100 books, all easily identified by his gift of portraiture and his superb interpretation of color and light with watercolors, his favorite medium. His detailed recreation of the 1900's in America leaves no doubt about his artistry and love for history. The Potato Man and The Great Pumpkin Switch are prime examples. This year two move titles are on my recommended list: Paperboy and Sacred River. His autobiography covers a brief but important period in his life when he was a wrestler to pay his way through art school. This autobiography will hook males who think drawing is for sissies. Ted's drawings and photos add punch to this personal memoir which is as much about the sport of wrestling as it is about Lewin's life. He and his wife Betsy, a children's book illustrator, travel to the many exotic places that appear in their books. 1993, Richard Jackson Book/Orchard, Ages 8 to 12, $18.95 and $6.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-531-05477-2
ISBN: 0-7868-1009-2
Just in Time for Christmas
Louise Borden
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
The Bryans gather in Kentucky each Christmas to share the holidays the way the family has done for a hundred years. Will Bryan and his hunting dog, Luke, await the arrival of relatives and the perfect time to make the family's famous cream candy. Luke disappears, hopefully just because he's his own boss, but Will worries whether he will return by cream candy time. Watercolors evoke the chilly season and rural surroundings. 1994, Scholastic, Ages 6 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-590-45355-6
Market!
Ted Lewin
Vivid colors and fine details provided in the watercolor illustrations bring this book alive. We are transported to various markets throughout the world to discover some of the wonders to be found there. The text and pictures tell a captivating and convincing story of local culture. By the end of the book, I was hoping there was more to feast on-I didn't want it to end. 1996, Lothrop, Ages 5 up, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Dr. Hans von Marensdorff
ISBN: 0-688-12161-6
ISBN: 0-688-12162-4
Nilo and the Tortoise
Ted Lewin
Open this beautifully illustrated book and take a journey. Far, far away, near the equator, there exists a group of islands that resemble no other place on earth. Nilo's father is a fisherman who anchors his boat for repairs on a Galapagos Island. When Nilo's father's boat disappears, Nilo decides to explore. First Nilo encounters an angry sea lion. Then, while climbing a volcano, he is fascinated by a small bird, a hawk, and finally, a giant tortoise. Nilo spends the night cuddled with the tortoise and locates his father's boat in the morning. Inspired by the author's impressions of the Galapagos, the book includes a map and fact sheet about the animals found there, animals that have no fear of man. 1999, Scholastic Press, Ages 6 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Christopher Moning
The Originals: Animals that Time Forgot
Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Narrative poems describe the ancestry of unusual animals such as the tiny Exmoor pony, Churro sheep, and the Red Jungle Rooster tell the history of these "modern ancients." Ted Lewin's beautiful paintings clarify the poems, some of which require adult explanation for young readers to understand the references to man's need for the animals throughout history. Children will appreciate how the animals have evolved and can be seen in today's world. 1998, Philomel Books, Ages 5 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson
ISBN: 0-399-230076
Paperboy
Mary Kay Kroeger and Louise Borden
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Willie Brinkman sells newspapers on a local corner to help support his family. The year is 1927, and the city is buzzing over the Dempsey-Tunney fight. From the billboards to the twirling barbershop pole, Lewin does a wonderful job of recreating pre-Depression Brooklyn. The finely detailed illustrations allow readers to almost place themselves in the time period. Within the vibrant color illustrations, readers see black and white depictions of the fight scenes mentioned in the text. The authors make excellent use of dialogue to develop the characters and heighten the tension. To place their fictional tale in context, the authors provide an afterword that discusses events surrounding the fight. 1996, Clarion, Ages 7 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye
ISBN: 0-395-64482-8
The Potato Man
Megan McDonald
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Artist Ted Lewin is one of the treasures of the children's book world. His paintings for this book recreate not only the post W.W.I era, but they also breathe life and personality into the characters. In this family story, grandpa recalls the effect of this one-eyed vegetable peddler on his young life. "He never missed seeing a thing" and that's when grandpa's string of bad luck began. A charming story with Caldecott quality pictures. 1994 (orig. 1991), Orchard, Ages 7 to 10, $15.95, $16.99 and $5.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-531-05914-6
ISBN: 0-531-08514-7
ISBN: 0-531-07053-0
Sacred River
Ted Lewin
Artist Lewin joined thousands of pilgrims who yearly wend their way to the banks of the sacred river Ganges, and this book is the result of that journey. The power of the river and the special place that it has in the hearts of the Hindu people of India are sensitively portrayed in this gentle picture book. From the old boatman rowing away in the light of the rising sun, to the temple towers reaching skyward from the jumble of riverside houses and shops, Lewin's artwork eloquently conveys the spirit of a place and its people as few outside the culture have been able to do. The text is simple and gracious. I only wish Lewin had chosen to use the euphonious Sanskrit name for the river, Ganga, over the rather stilted Westernized version, Ganges-but that's a minor flaw in an otherwise beautiful book. 1995, Clarion, Ages 5 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami
ISBN: 0-395-69846-4
Sami and the Time of the Troubles
Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Ten-year-old Sami tells the story of his life growing up in war torn Lebanon. Some or his days are good, especially when he and his family can go outside to the market or to play in the streets. Unfortunately, most of his days are bad because Sami and his family must hide in a small basement as a war is fought above them. A moving story illustrated with lovely watercolor paintings of Sami's troubled life in Lebanon. 1992, Clarion, Ages 6 to 10, $5.95. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph
ISBN: 0-395-55964-2
Sea Watch: A Book of Poetry
Jane Yolen
Illustrations by Ted Lewin
Poems of the sea inhabit this slim volume as naturally as the denizens of the deep inhabit it. Each poem is about one species, and the collection, remarkably, brings the beauty of diverse watery habitats right into the reader's consciousness. The poems beg to be read aloud. My favorite was "The Crab," skittering sideways into the patient calculations of the sea. Yolen's mastery of words is here, as are Ted Lewin's effervescent images of oceans and bays and tidal pools. 1996, Philomel, Ages 7 to 12, $15.00. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami
ISBN: 0-399-22734-2
The Storytellers
Ted Lewin
Readers are transported to the exotic bazaars in Fez, Morocco where the streets haven't changed much over the last 1,000 years. Abdul and his grandfather are heading out to work at daybreak. They pass through the souks with their wool dyers, metal workers, and leather tanners and comment on the difficulty, noise and smells associated with those jobs. Finally they arrive at their work place by the old city gate, one that lets them work in the light, in fresh air. They wait for the crowd to gather and for a sufficient amount of money to be placed on the carpet. Abdul launches a white pigeon into the sky to bring down a story, and then grandfather begins a tale that holds the crowd spellbound. Many times that day stories are told, for Abdul and his grandfather are professional storytellers. All of the sights and people are gloriously depicted in Lewin's watercolors. 1998, Lothrop, Ages 5 up, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-688-15178-7
ISBN: 0-688-15179-5
Tiger Trek
Ted Lewin
Hand youngsters artist/author Ted Lewin's Tiger Trek for an imaginary yet realistic view of the striped predator, the wary creatures she passes and the chital fawn she catches to share with her cubs in a hot, hazy jungle preserve where Maharajahs once reigned. 1990, Simon & Schuster, Ages 7 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin
ISBN: 0-02-757381-8
To learn more about Ted Lewin.
Added 1999
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