In 1981, a few weeks before the death of Olive Burt, author and columnist for this newspaper, she charged me with two tasks: first, "continuing to share children's literature with young and old" and second, to "keep Utah artists and authors alive to the public." Those were her words. For any who remember Olive, this charge was given with determination and not meant to be taken lightly!
The study and sharing of children's literature is a rewarding task. Thankfully, the Deseret Morning News has been one of many avenues of that provision. Another, my new Web site, booksandbeyond.net, is in its infancy but growing.
The second charge, relating news about Utah artists and authors and keeping them "alive," is a difficult task because there are so many. A few years ago, the Children's Literature Association of Utah listed artists and authors who live in or have spent significant parts of their lives in Utah. At that time they listed 90 names.
Even though a few have died and others moved away, we still claim them, and their works as having been a part of our state. I have identified more than dozen who should appear on the list, such as Kimberly Heuston, Paul Mombourquette and Shannon Hale, whose latest novel, "Princess Academy," won a Newbery Honor.
Probably others have missed my radar screen! But CLAU and I have dedicated ourselves to keeping a current list and tabulation of all Utah artists and authors in the future.
As part of that dedication — and remembering Olive Burt's charge to me — the following will be the initial review for a new writer and an artist, both from Utah.
Sherrie Meidell's answering machine suggests that a family of five boys is an integral part of her life. However, besides being a chauffeur, mother of missionaries and packer of picnics, Meidell is an active illustrator, having sketched and painted all of her life.
Her picture books attest to a keen interest in accurate detail, such as the buttons on the overalls in "Full Steam Ahead" or photographer's paraphernalia in "The Day the Picture Man Came." These two and "Emma Jo's Song" illustrate texts by Alabama author Faye Gibbons (all published by Boyd's Mills Press). Her other illustrations appear in "The ABCs of Uniforms and Outfits" by Utah author Barbara Williams, and Christine Graham's "When Wagon Rumbled West."
Meidell's period-like artwork portrays the stories of flash-box photographs, family-style sing-alongs and steam engines. She captures the intricacies and accurate detail through careful research of old tintypes, art books and a collection of vintage artifacts.
Hairdos, clothes and household items suggest the early 1900s. She admits using real people as models to illustrate certain gestures or animated facial features. From personal experience I've watched her fill a small sketchbook with tiny sketches and details to be "catalogued" for later use in picture books.
"The Latter Day Times: Joseph Smith Edition" (Leatherwood), authored by Carol Lynch Williams, is her latest published book. She recently completed the artwork and retelling of "The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs" to be published by Leatherwood Press.
"My Brother the Dog" by Kim Williams-Justesen (Tanglewood).
"Recently Donny has decided he's a dog. Mom and Dad play along with it. If I had tried this when I was four, they would have sat me down and had a long conversation about how dogs are dogs and people are people ..."
Mattie is a teenager whose brother is playing his favorite role, being a dog. That means running on all fours, hiding under the bed, carrying things in his mouth — including his sandals — and eating out of a dog dish on the floor.
If that weren't bad enough, Mattie is responsible for his care during the summer days when she'd like to be with her friends, especially Livvy, whose brother makes Mattie's heart pitter-pat. What is a girl to do, especially as her brother insists on being on a dog leash?
When a crisis hits (Mattie fails to watch Donny closely, and he is rescued after a tumble into a swimming pool, then becomes seriously ill) she re-evaluates what is important.
The author handles both events without maudlin detail, and the resolution is integrated with reality and good humor. "My Brother the Dog" has just the right teenage sarcasm (Mattie never appears as a brat, thank goodness), and she exhibits tolerance when others think Donny's antics are novel and sweet. Timeless slang is chosen with vernacular that will withstand many years of reading for girls of 10 and up who also feel they might be imposed upon.