River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams

Description: In this picture book biography, Bryant's engaging prose and Sweet's stunning mixed-media illustrations celebrate the amazing man who finds a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.

Brief description: Jen Bryant has written numerous books for young readers, including Georgia's Bones and A River ofWords, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award.Her book A Splash of Red (Knopf)received the Schneider Family Book Award and theNCTE Orbis Pictus Award for nonfiction. She lives inPennsylvania.

Review Quotes:

"With plain words, appropriate to the style of this master of clear and precisely worded poetry, and brilliant images, Bryant and Sweet introduce Williams and his poetry in a fresh, accessible way.... It is entirely possible that this offering will not only acquaint readers with the man and his poetry but will also inspire creativity -- Williams would no doubt be pleased." -- Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)

"This stunning picture-book biography combines a lyrical text with wonderfully creative mixed-media illustrations in an impressive and personable homage to an extraordinary and accomplished man." -- School Library Journal (Starred review)

"....the passion of both author and artist for their subject shine through on every page--in the pacing, in the layering of the compositions and, fittingly, in the carefully chosen details." -- Shelf Awareness

"This gorgeous collage of words and images reveals bits and snatches of Williams's life -- an ordinary childhood, a love of science and nature, a busy medical career, and a quiet obsession with poetry. The writer's words are incorporated into the colorful multimedia artwork, creating a lively, lyrical picture-book biography." -- Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal

"A visual and audible stunner. Kudos to everyone involved. Kudos all around." -- Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (a School Library Journal blog)

"Inspiring." -- Booklist

"Lively... insightfully portrays the writing life."-- The New York Times