Christopher Bing Visits the Library

Award-winning illustrator Christopher Bing came to Lawrence School on Friday, January 19, to share his perspectives as both an editorial illustrator and children's book creator. Eighth graders got a close-at-hand look at his editorial work -- bold, sassy and often political commentaries on contemporary issues. Most of his editorial work is done in a style reflecting old engravings common in late 19th and early 20th century newspapers. He has had three illustrated books for children published, all literary classics with which he grew up: Thayer's poem Casey at the Bat (winner of a Caldecott Honor Award in 2001), Longfellow's The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, and Bannerman's Little Black Sambo. Fifth graders were treated to his images for The Midnight Ride, as Bing explained his approach to interpreting Longfellow's romantic telling with historical accuracy. We also got a glimpse of the artwork for his forthcoming book (we won't tell what!).