The Clay Ladies

by Michael Bedard

One day, a small girl finds a wounded bird. She knows where to go for help, because on her street live two women known as the Clay Ladies. Their home is an old church full of wonders: half-finished statues and pieces of pottery. The Clay Ladies help bring the bird back to life, just as they infuse pieces of clay with life. Moreover they introduce the girl to the world of clay. Although the incident is imaginary, this beautifully written story is based on the lives of artists Frances Loring and Florence Wyle.

Genres: Picture Books, Art

40 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2001

About the author

Michael Bedard was born and raised in Toronto. His novels include Stained Glass, A Darker Magic, Painted Devil, and Redwork, which received the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Canadian Library Association’s Book of the Year Award for Children. He has also written several acclaimed picture books, including The Clay Ladies, which received the Toronto IODE Book Award. His biography, William Blake: The Gates of Paradise and his picture book Emily attest to his interest in poets and poetry.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quiet and thoughtful personal narrative about a girl looking back on memories of two women in her neighborhood. They were unusual - wearing pants and short hair, living in a house crammed with the clay sculptures they created. These two women "the clay ladies" had an impact on the girl and how she views the world. It's a subtle book, good for grades 3+. Some awkward wording ("uncomplete" for example) brings it down to three stars, but I did enjoy it.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, unhurried narrative and rich, enveloping art capture the clutter and compassion of two celebrated sculptors, a fledgling robin’s rescue and the life-changing friendship that results.

Listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, unhurried narrative and rich, enveloping art capture the clutter and compassion of two celebrated sculptors, a fledgling robin’s rescue and the life-changing friendship that results.

Listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[Amanda Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The word choice the author made for the story irritated me a bit.

The pictures however are fantastic!

[Karen Dransfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story about a young girl meeting her neighbours and discovering clay and sculpture, all through a little baby bird falling out of a tree. Some of the story is about 2 true artists.