pwbalto's review
4.0
The way this book breaks down Keaton's pratfalls and early movie-making process, it's hard not to want to try some of his tricks out for yourself.
Brief Lives: A list of biographies for children is on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/2012/03/biographies-for-children.html
Brief Lives: A list of biographies for children is on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/2012/03/biographies-for-children.html
nycterisberna's review
4.0
Un libro ilustrado que nos muestra los inicios de Buster Keaton en el vodevil con sus padres, eludiendo las acusaciones de maltrato infantil ante sus espectaculares caídas y preparándose para ser el mejor cómico del cine mudo. Una delicia de ilustraciones, con muchos guiños a sus películas.
tashrow's review
5.0
A tantalizing look into the life of Buster Keaton and how he became a movie star in the 1920s. This picture book biography briefly tells the reader about the childhood and eventual film success of Keaton from his own point of view. From being sucked out of the window by a tornado to being tossed bodily across the stage by his father as part of the act, Keaton's childhood leads him directly to his movie career.
Being written in the first person gives this book an immediacy and inherent ring of truth. That is needed, because so much of his life is easy to disbelieve. The illustrations are the true star of the book, using a style that evokes the feel of the 20s. They offer unique vistas of not only the stage and movie sets but also the streets of the time. Giving readers their own feeling of flying through the air at times, they are the perfect accompaniment to this true story.
Though I have watched most of Keaton's films, I knew little of his childhood and his theater background. It was great to learn more and wonderful to see that Keaton is being presented to another generation of children who can watch in disbelief as he risks his life time after time on the set. Recommended for ages 7-10.
Being written in the first person gives this book an immediacy and inherent ring of truth. That is needed, because so much of his life is easy to disbelieve. The illustrations are the true star of the book, using a style that evokes the feel of the 20s. They offer unique vistas of not only the stage and movie sets but also the streets of the time. Giving readers their own feeling of flying through the air at times, they are the perfect accompaniment to this true story.
Though I have watched most of Keaton's films, I knew little of his childhood and his theater background. It was great to learn more and wonderful to see that Keaton is being presented to another generation of children who can watch in disbelief as he risks his life time after time on the set. Recommended for ages 7-10.
luann's review
3.0
This would be a nice introduction for children to the early days of movies, in addition to the life of Buster Keaton. Although a bit more detail would have made this book even better, in my opinion. The illustrations do help tell the story, but I just wanted more text. I don't think most kids these days would have enough background knowledge to fully comprehend the story. Have kids these days seen any Buster Keaton movies? I think they would enjoy the book a whole lot more if they had. I need to see some Buster Keaton movies, too! So maybe the book fulfilled its purpose. The author's note at the end did help flesh out the life of Buster Keaton a bit more.
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