Kids speak
Excerpts from letters sent by students after Richard’s
presentations:
From a 5th grader in Mountlake Terrace,
Washington: “... You, out of all the authors that have come
to our school, are my favorite. You let us experience drawing
from our hearts. .. You are inspiring and exciting in how you
tell your presentations.” -Rebekah
And from 6th grader, Isaac, Lynnwood, Washington: “I deeply
appreciate you sharing with us your talent, I personally like
your sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoy your presence, including
your extremely welcoming spirit. ...”
Dannielle, a 7th grader from Cyberschool
in Washington:”Hearing you talk and seeing your work was
such a ray of sunshine in our day. . . Your illustrations are
inspiring and we did not want the day to end.”
And Kindergartner, Marissa, Seattle, Washington:
“...Guess What, I love art and I love to draw! You engerated
me to draw more than I did...”
Educators speak
And excerpts from letters sent by educators after Richard’s
presentations:
Amanda Getzen, Art Teacher, Cyberschool:
“The kids loved your presentations and have been talking
about it for days. ... quoting Bob Dylan, ‘The highest purpose
of art is to inspire.’ Thank your for all the inspiration.
...”
Debbie Schindler, Administrator: “It
was wonderful having you as our guest speaker for SCCS Author
Workshop. You exceeded our expectations. You worked wonderfully
with our students and truly motivated them to write and illustrate.
...It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.”
Mary Lou Willett, Davis Joint Unified Schools:
“...sincere appreciation for giving of your time to provide
the most enjoyable experience of getting to know you. You were
definitely a ‘hit’ with everyone! We look forward to
a return engagement.”
Dr. James Hedges, Chair, English and Communication
Department, Azusa Pacific University: “... Again I found
your sharing with the students a rich time for them to see a different
perspective on the creation of literature for children. ... I
thought the exercise was instructive as an indication that imagination
can work in many ways, and that we all should be aware of the
creative potential we already possess.”
Marta Kyte, Principal, Wakefield Elementary:
“What a thrill it was for all of us to have the pleasure
of meeting and sharing the entire day with you. Your slides, artwork,
autographing and positive, caring personality made our day a tremendous
success. As a result of our “bragging” about you, several
Turlock schools have contacted your publisher about having you
attend their ‘Author’s Day’.”
Karen Bretz, Summerville Elementary: “...our
new crop of budding artists loved seeing how you progressed from
your ideas and early sketches to the final art in the books. ...
Your fan club at Summerville... was delighted to learn that your
new book is out. Would your schedule permit you to visit us once
again? Your new book will fit right into our celebration.”
Marge Habashi, Reading Specialist: “...
You were absolutely great. The kids are still talking about the
wonderful time they had when you presented at our school four
years ago. The giant picture you donated is hanging right by the
principal’s office where everyone who enters sees it... You
are a very thoughtful person.”
Donna Bessant, District Librarian, Monterey
Peninsula Unified Schools: “MANY THANKS for the wonderful
presentations you gave here in the Monterey school district. You
were really terrific and gave us all ideas on how to create something
behind the next door. In the weeks that followed your visit a
number of librarians and kids talked to me about what they learned
and saw... and I’ve seen evidence of artwork... I also talked
with folks who attended the Asilomar Reading Conference and heard
you speak. They were very impressed too. We all think you are
a “Rising Star” for sure.”
“Your participation in the 15th Annual
San Joaquin County Authors’ Symposium was one of the highlights!
We were delighted to work with you and now we shall delight in
remembering you.” Margaret K. Williams, PhD, Stockton Unified
School District
LIBRARIANS SPEAK
Some comments following Sno-Isle Library’s Summer Reading
Program 2001 featuring Richard Jesse Watson:
“Richard is a wonderful presenter.
He relates so well to his audience and changes the program to
fit. I especially was impressed with how easily he handled
audiences and disruptions.”
“I especially enjoyed Richard’s
interaction with the children. It was obvious that he likes children
and gets along well with them. He knows how to hold their attention.
His drawing was wonderful. He is able to capture the essence of
his subject in just a few quick stokes. His description of how
he goes about creating the paintings for his books was also very
good.”
“Richard was very relaxed and comfortable
with both children and adults. He was very generous with his time
before, during and after the main presentation. I heard so many
wonderful comments about his program. The people of South Whidbey
loved it!”
BOOKS
Written and Illustrated:
Current project a picture book with Harper Collins
New book with Scholastic/ Blue Sky Press, Spring 2005
Tom Thumb, 1989, Harcourt
ISBN 0-15-289280-X
ISBN 0-15-289281-8
Description:
Tom Thumb is a little boy-a very little boy. Just about the size
of his father’s thumb.
But Tom is very adventurous for such a
little person, and his curiosity gets him into some difficult
situations-he is baked in a cake, chomped by a cow, carried away
by a raven, gobbled by a giant, and swallowed by a fish! Rescued
from the fish’s stomach by King Arthur’s cook, Tom finds
his troubles aren’t over yet. For the giant declares war
on King Arthur’s court, and the only person who knows how
to stop him is Tom. With courage, wit and the help of some animal
friends, Tom shows that though he may be a very small boy, he
is a great hero.
Watson’s dramatic illustrations and
skillful retelling of this well-loved tale draw the reader into
Tom’s world-where cows are as big as monsters and tomato
plants are trees; where adventure can begin with something as
small as a bowl of cake batter or as big as an angry giant. A
world children know something about.
Media Reviews of Tom Thumb:
“Not only is ours a great age of storytelling;
it is also a golden age of illustration. Richard Jesse Watson’s
Tom Thumb will take your breath away.”
Connoisseur, 9/90
“Mr. Watson’s paintings from
Tom Thumb are intricately detailed...”
The New York Times, Sunday, 1/28/90
“Every Picture Tells A Story, (Children’s
Book Art Gallery in Los Angeles) Lois Sarkisian, owner: ‘The
current show at the gallery centers on Richard Jesse Watson’s
egg tempera paintings in his retelling of Tom Thumb. There was
an incredible reaction to Tom Thumb as soon as it came out. It
is a very popular book. It’s beautiful and has an emotional
content. Buyers agree. As of last week, 11 of the 20 Watson paintings
on display, including the $7000. , center spread from Tom Thumb
were sold.”
Los Angeles Times, Calendar, 1/21/90
“Clearly one of the best illustrated
books of this publishing season, this large volume offers an extensive
retelling of the old folk tale... The exquisite full-page color
drawings radiate texture, feeling and mood.”
Chicago Sun Times, 6/11/89
“His story is traditional, but his
illustrations are spectacular. Warm tones, realistic depiction,
great variety, startling perspectives, and much else contribute
to make a visual adventure. At times Watson seems to pay homage
to the Dutch masters of naturalism, at other times his intense
detailing recalls etching; and he paints plants and animals with
exuberance. All of this combines to work real magic... In this
case, the pictures will keep anyone entranced, no matter what
his size.”
Book World, 3/12/89
“...Watson’s full-color, realistic
artwork; in startling perspectives and several striking close
ups, he transports the reader fully into Tom’s thumb-size
world.”
Publishers Weekly, 3/10/89
“Watson takes an old favorite to new
heights in this handsome edition filled with remarkable, eye-catching
illustrations. Reminiscent of Kit Williams work in Masquerade,
these pictures brim with life. Watson is especially adept at drawing
animals; the mice, rabbits, and frogs look as if they are about
to spring off the pages. Bold two-page spreads mingle with cameo-size
pictures, all crafted with precision and imagination. An arresting
rendition.”
Booklist, Children’s Editor’s Choice 1989, 4/15/89
Awards:
Golden Kite Award for Best Illustrated Book of 1989, Society of
Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Booklist-American Librarians Association Editor’s Choice,
1989
Best Children’s Book of the Year, 1989 from the Printing
Industries of America
Illustrated:
The Legend of Saint Christopher by Margaret
Hodges,2002 , Eerdmans
ISBN 0-8028-5007-4
Description:
The legend of Saint Christopher, first written in the thirteenth
century, tells the story of a strong man named Offero who wanted
to find the greatest ruler in all the world and to serve him as
his bearer. Offero’s search was in vain until the mysterious
child at a riverside asks Offero to carry him over the river.
Only after Offero has carried the child over the river does he
discover the child’s true identity. Then Offero’s name
is changed to Christopher.
Media Reviews of The Legend of Saint Christopher:
“Watson’s artwork achieves a
startling blend of the ancient and the timeless, the archetypal
and the particular - he paints narrative elements in representational
oils, reserving the backgrounds for abstract patterns that hint
at the mythic roots of legend.” Publisher’s Weekly,
9/30/02
The Waterfall’s Gift, by Joanne
Ryder,2001, Sierra Club ISBN 0-87156-579-X
Description:
The insistent voice of the waterfall rings through the old north
woods, beckoning a listening child back to the secret place she
once shared with her grandfather. Its call mingles with the lively
sounds of the forest - the birds and rustling leaves - in a reassuring
blend of past and present, then and now.
Media Reviews of The Waterfall’s Gift:
“Watson’s detailed egg tempera
illustrations add the final layer to this beautifully crafted
book.” School Library Journal, 2001
“Joanne Ryder’s superbly engaging
story of loss and renewal amidst a natural setting is richly enhanced
with the museum quality paintings of Richard Jesse Watson. The
Waterfall’s Gift is very highly recommended for all
readers, but most especially for those children struggling to
deal with personal and family loss in their lives. Every school
and community library in the country should have The Waterfall’s
Gift available in their collections of picturebooks for
readers.” Midwest Book Review, 7/5/01
Awards:
Teacher’s Choice Award, International Reading Association,
2002
One Wintry Night, by Ruth Bell Graham,
1994, Baker Bookhouse
ISBN 0-8010-3848-0
Description:
When a mountain boy is caught alone in a sudden snowstorm,
he takes refuge in a cabin his grandfather had helped to build
many years before. The woman living there shelters the boy, attends
to his badly swollen ankle, and spends the hours they are snowbound
by telling the Christmas story-beginning with creation and concluding
with the resurrection.
Media Reviews of One Wintry Night:
“Watson’s paintings add plenty
of drama; minutely detailed, exactly rendered flora and fauna
explode from the margins inward, and extreme close-ups-Moses confronting
Pharaoh, or the face of one of Daniel’s glaring lions-bristle
with tension.”
Kirkus Reviews, 9/15/95
“Watson’s artwork is unusually
arresting, offering plenty of visual subtext to support the ambitious
undertaking, which is actually a condensed retelling of the entire
Bible. The double-spread Nativity scene truly commands attention,
particularly the striking face of the girl Anna, who has
come to see the Christ child.”
Booklist, 9/1/95
“Ruth Bell Graham has written the
perfect Christmas book and Richard Jesse Watson has illustrated
this lovely story with imaginative, stunning pictures. The story
is tried and true, well-told and important. I love the story and
I love this book.” Barbara Bush
“Richard Jesse Watson’s egg tempera
paintings are at once powerful and dark, lyrical and decorative,
compelling and full of light- all the while being meticulously
and exquisitely crafted.” Barry Moser
“Watson, obviously a fan of the Old
World Masters, shows a sharp eye for detail and realism in his
egg tempera illustrations. He pulls you into the pages, inviting
you to explore, to linger, to rejoice...Net Results A+.”
the Christian Net, Winter 1995-96
Award:
C.S. Lewis Gold Medal Winner for Children’s Picture Books,
1995
The High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat
Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake, by
Nancy Willard,1990 Harcourt
ISBN 0-15-234332-6 / ISBN 0-15-201019-X
Description:
A girl wants to give her wonderful mother the birthday present
she longs for- a High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky
Pie Angel Food Cake. But Great Grandmother’s secret recipe
has been hidden away for decades because of the danger: the cake
“is irresistible to man and beast, woman and bird. I fear
it may fall into the wrong hands.” Nothing will do but to
search through a lifetime of Great Grandmother’s notebooks
for the magic recipe.
Nancy Willard’s extraordinary story
and Richard Jesse Watson’s provocative artwork come together
in stunning proof that only the flutter of angelic wings can create
a truly heavenly cake (and book) perfect for someone you love.
Media Reviews of The High Rise Glorious
Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake:
“Illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson,
this children’s book is pure enjoyment for ages 6 and up.
(I do so enjoy being recharged by superb children’s books!)”
The Pilot-Southern Pines, NC, 10/1/90
“most exuberant children’s book
of 1990...Richard Jesse Watson’s illustrations complement
Willard’s warm tale.”
People Magazine, 12/3/90
“Speaking of angels, this book has
great ones. They’re the creations of Richard Jesse Watson,
and his imaginative handling of seraphim is sure to make anyone
smile...Watson’s egg tempera (what else could you use for
angel-food cake?) illustrations are something to behold.”
Mercury News, 12/90
“Enchanting and inspiring.” The
New York Times Book Review, 5/12/91
Awards:
Best Picture Book of the Year, People Magazine, 1990
Children’s Choice Award, International Reading Association
Waldenbooks Children’s Book Illustration Award of Excellence,
1990
Bronwen, The Traw and The Shapeshifter,by
James Dickey -1986, Harcourt
ISBN 0-15-212580-9
Description:
At daybreak, Bronwen puts on her sunflower hat and begins to work
in the garden, using her special claw-shaped trowel. But as the
sun sets, the grass and the flowers grow dark, and the light in
the river disappears. The All-Dark rises from the hedges and invades
Bronwen’s world. The worst thing about the All-Dark is the
Shapes that come from it- and the last is as bad as the first.
Bronwen is not the only one frightened
of the Shapes that shift and change, but she is the only one who
can conquer the Shape-Shifter and beat back the All-Dark. A kingdom
of gentle flying squirrels needs her help, for the All-Dark leaves
them prey to weasels, night hawks and wildcats.
Taking up her magic traw, Bronwen journeys
to the squirrels’ kingdom, where she courageously battles
the Shape-Shifter as it assumes the form of the elements-air,
fire, water, and the very earth itself.
Richard Jesse Watson’s dramatic, mysterious
illustrations capture not only Bronwen and her traw, but also
the alternately gentle and fierce moods of James Dickey’s
richly imaginative epic poem. Story and pictures combine to create
an unforgettable book that will be a treasured addition to any
bookshelf.
Media Reviews of Bronwen, The Traw and
The Shapeshifter:
“Complimenting James Dickey’s
poem are the lovely illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson, whose
drawings - color and black and white - possess no want of magic
themselves. (The sense of innocence and awe on Bronwen’s
open-mouthed face as she looks out her bedroom window in one of
Watson’s black-and-white sketches is as memorable a drawing
of a child as I have ever seen.)”
The State Columbia, South Carolina, 9/21/86
“...This is a gorgeous book. Richard
Jesse Watson’s large black-and-white drawings are of portrait
quality laced with enchantment. The squirrel tapping at Bronwen’s
window is so real, of course she’ll speak to it.”
Los Angeles Times, The Book Review, 1/18/87
“This poetic fantasy is attractively
presented as a picture book. Watson has caught the dark romantic
tone of the poem in carefully detailed, imaginative black-and-white
spreads.”
Kirkus Reviews, 8/15/86
“The enchanting illustrations are
light and ethereal, even in their brown/black tones.” The
Baltimore Sunday Sun, 12/7/86
“A beautiful book, gentle yet foreboding,
is made even more endearing by the detailed duotone drawings of
Richard Jesse Watson.”
The San Diego Tribune, 12/12/86
Awards:
Parents’ Choice Award for Illustration, Parents’ Choice
Foundation, 1986
The Dream Stair, by Betsy James, 1990, Harper Collins
ISBN 0-06-022787-7
Description:
When it gets dark, I go to bed and my granny kisses me good night.
“Sweet dreams, she says… “Go up the stair, go down
the stair, and tell me all about it in the morning.”
So begins the adventure of a little girl
who climbs the dream stair-first up, past chimneys, balloons,
and trees to the special attic room with the moon at the window;
then down, past furnaces, rivers, and roots to the dark safety
of the cellar room; and then, finally, back to bed.
Betsy James and Richard Jesse Watson have
created a book filled with images and emotions of a child’s
day, and the security of a granny’s love. The Dream Stair,
with its poetic text and evocative illustrations, awaits all
travelers who are about to begin the universal nighttime journey.
Media Reviews of The Dream Stair:
“Most notable are Richard Jesse Watson’s portrait-like
illustrations that blend so well with the fantast, as in his recent
‘Tom Thumb.’ Using a Southwestern/Hispanic setting,
he portrays the dreams as pleasant collages, rich with cultural
symbols. Any child who has experienced the calm love of a grandmother
will find these pages reassuring.”
Los Angeles Times, 1/29/90
“Offering a feast of cleverly interwoven
images. Watson’s fantasy pastiche is colorful and cheerfully
surrealistic.”
Publisher’s Weekly, 4/13/90
“The strong poetic images are matched
by artwork that moves between realistic and fey. … At the
centerpiece of the story is the Hispanic narrator; Watson portrays
her with a purity that is both tender and strong. A dreamy, evocative
piece that celebrates dreaming as well as strong family relationships
in everyday life.”
Booklist, 3/1/90
Anthologies:
Oz, The Hundredth Anniversary Celebration,
30 Favorite Artists and Writers Celebrate 100 Years of Oz,
Edited by Peter Glassman, Books of Wonder/ Harper Collins ISBN
0-688-15915-X
Speak! Children’s Book Illustrators
Brag About Their Dogs, Edited by Michael Rosen, 1993, Harcourt
ISBN 0-15-277848-9
Writers In The Kitchen, Children’s
Book Authors Share Memories of Their Favorite Recipes, Compiled
by Trisha Gardella, Boyds Mills Press
ISBN 1-56397-713-3
Biographical Publication:
Something About The Author, Facts and Pictures
About Authors and Illustrators of Books for Young People, Volume
62, Gale Research, Inc., 1990; Biography and Art of Richard Jesse
Watson
Children’s Book Illustration and Design,
Library of Applied Design, PBC International, Inc., New York 1992;
Biography and Art of Richard Jesse Watson
Other Awards
Silver Medal, Illustration West, Society
of Illustrators of Los Angeles, September 1990;
Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Fellowship, Brooklyn, NY, KerlanCollection
of the University of Minnesota, 1987;
Central Bank and Trust Award, Kansas Watercolor Society, March
1981
...