Handel, Who Knew What He Liked

Like its subject, M.T. Anderson’s charming large-scale picture book is ambitious. It seeks to amuse and instruct the young reader with both text and illustration…lovely, if somber-hued, illutstrations by Kevin Hawkes in an impressionistic style employ elaborate gilt-edged frames to surround the text.—New York Times Book ReviewIn this wittily irreverent picture-book biograph, the legendary baroque composer is vividly brought to life…These gifted collaborators deserve a Hallelujah Chorus of their own for this volume, as well as a request for a speedy encore.—Publishers Weekly (starred review)In this picture-book biography, both illustration and text are characterized by a saucy style, impeccable pacing, and a richness of content, and the two harmonize splendidly in a manner befitting the subject.—School Library Journal (starred review)Anderson never forgets his audience in his enthusiasm for his subject. Illustrating the scenes, Hawkes’ lively acrylic paintings are beautifully composed, dramatically lit, and irresistibly appealing.—Booklist (starred review)A clearly defined theme, stated in the title; a lively text, sufficiently detailed but not overburdened with minutiae; and stunning illustrations, many embellished with baroque-style frames, make this biography a fully integrated experience for young readers…a book worthy of a standing ovation.—The Horn Book (starred review)Readers don’t need to know anything about the composer to enjoy this lively biography…Handel himself, with his cherubic face and large fuzzy white wig, bounds from almost every page, fairly glowing with good will and music.—Kirkus ReviewsJust as Handel was a composer who knew what he liked, M.T. Anderson is an author who knows what kids like.—The Horn Book GuideThe delightful text and drawings of this picture book not only capture the essential Handel better than any children’s book I know, they also surpass many a bio-graphical tome. A marvelous achievement!—Ellen T. Harris, Professor of Music at M.I.TThis splendid costume drama plus music history induces readers to provide the only missing ingredient: a sound track.—Riverbank ReviewIn an intriguing introduction to the famous composer, a humorous, lively text about Handel’s boyhood, music, and career is complemented by highly textured illustrations that are dramatic and full of fun.—Boston Globe

M.T. Anderson is the author of a number of celebrated books including the Pals in Peril series, as well as The “Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1, The Pox Party”, which won the National Book Award and a Printz Honor, “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves”, which also won a Printz Honor, and “Feed”, which was a finalist for the National Book Award, a “Boston Globe-Horn Book” Honor Book, and the winner of the “Los Angeles Times” Book Award for Young Adults.