Randolph Caldecott: The Man Who Could Not Stop Drawing

Based on the 2013 book by Leonard S. Marcus, this biographical portrait narrated by Gemma Dawson sheds light on the life and career of English artist and illustrator Randolph Caldecott, namesake of the acclaimed annual medals for distinguished American children's picture books. Born the third of seven children in 1846 in Chester, England, Caldecott attended the King's School, where he doodled in his book margins. Described as good-looking and easygoing, Caldecott's work as a bank clerk left plenty of time for his art, leading to painting classes and social clubs that served as a springboard for his illustrations in the London News and later work on travel guidebooks and as a correspondent. Talented at depicting movement in his art, the diligently hardworking Caldecott joined forces with authors such as Washington Irving and, most famously, color printer Edmund Evans, with whom he created his first picture books. Touching on Caldecott's marriage and lifelong bouts of poor health, as well as his influences on future icons including Beatrix Potter, this is a solid tribute to a man who had a major impact on the history of children's literature. Recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (J. Williams-Wood)