The award-winning work is reissued as a Candlewick Picture Book Biography.
George Frideric Handel always knew what he liked. And he was never afraid to do what he liked -- whether smuggling a clavichord into the attic, sneaking off at a duke's castle to play the organ, ordering forty-five pounds of snow to chill his wine, or writing operas that no one wanted to hear. Even in his darkest hour, when it seemed everyone and everything were against him, Handel stayed true to himself. And because he did, he has become one of the best-loved composers in the world. In this absorbing biography, M. T. Anderson's narrative and Kevin Hawkes's stunning art illuminate the life and legacy of a musical visionary.
Back matter includes a time line, discography, author's note, sources, and an index.
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 Review
In 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)
M. T. Anderson is the author of the young adult novels THIRSTY and BURGER WUSS and a faculty member of Vermont College's MFA Program in Writing for Children. About HANDEL, WHO KNEW WHAT HE LIKED, he says, "As a child, I loved Handel's music, because it seemed to suggest that humans are a noble race, full of reason and gentility. Then I got to high school."
Kevin Hawkes is the illustrator of a number of popular books for
children, including WESLANDIA, THE LIBRARIAN WHO MEASURED THE EARTH, MARVEN OF THE GREAT NORTH WOODS, and PAINTING THE WIND: A STORY OF VINCENT VAN GOGH. He says, "I loved illustrating this book, though it was quite a challenge--Handel's music is so beautiful and powerful, and his life was so complex. I hope I've done him justice."