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The Busy, Busy World of Richard Scarry
A heartwarming biography of one of the most adored children's author-illustrators of all time ranges from his start in writing to his growing popularity and includes a step-by-step presentation of how he created his picture books, representations of all the most popular characters, and personal memoirs. BOMC Div.
159 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 7, 2024
Wonderful biography of Richard Scarry. His books have been favorites of all my children and myself. This book was well written and interesting, and all the pictures were a delight.
One small caution - on pg 12, it talks about his life in high school, I wasn't bothered by it, it's actually quite funny, but I probably would have skipped over this had I been reading aloud to my children.
This is the part -
Sometimes he skipped school in order to go to the burlesque shows at Old Howard in downtown Boston's Scollary Square. He had discovered the mysteries of sex. To him the girls who took off their clothes while they strutted around the stage were beautiful. He later admitted, "There was one girl there that I thought about night and day. She crowded my mind. I had no time for algebra when I could think about her. I tried drawing her swinging tassels. Countless pictures. And of course my parents found them."
"What is going to become of you? his father asked.
"If I'm going to be an artist, sir," Richard replied, "I have to learn to draw the human form."
One small caution - on pg 12, it talks about his life in high school, I wasn't bothered by it, it's actually quite funny, but I probably would have skipped over this had I been reading aloud to my children.
This is the part -
Sometimes he skipped school in order to go to the burlesque shows at Old Howard in downtown Boston's Scollary Square. He had discovered the mysteries of sex. To him the girls who took off their clothes while they strutted around the stage were beautiful. He later admitted, "There was one girl there that I thought about night and day. She crowded my mind. I had no time for algebra when I could think about her. I tried drawing her swinging tassels. Countless pictures. And of course my parents found them."
"What is going to become of you? his father asked.
"If I'm going to be an artist, sir," Richard replied, "I have to learn to draw the human form."
February 9, 2025
So enjoyable to read all about the fascinating life of one of my favorite children's book author/illustrators...his books draw me to this day! Recommend to any parent, aspiring art student or young adult who lived for this man's books like i did!♡
December 30, 2015
A short biography written by friends of Richard Scarry. More than ever I want to drive a pickle car to Busytown.
February 1, 2025
If you love Richard Scarry (who doesn’t?!) you’ll enjoy perusing these pages. But the biography text itself is a bit boring. I would have loved to see some samples of his Army drawings or other unpublished art. Mainly I intend to use this to help me track down any remaining titles we haven’t yet read.
March 20, 2021
Super fun quick read about Richard Scarry. Lots of illustrations depicted (possibly too many??) and the narrative at times included odd details. But maybe I have these criticisms because I read it all in one night and was too tired. I really enjoyed it!
July 15, 2022
A good overview of Richard Scarry's career and life, with lots of illustrations.
July 21, 2013
It reads like a biography written by a couple of his best friends (it was) and oddly it isn't very interesting. I grew up, like many children, loving Richard Scarry's books. My daughter loves Scarry books. 'Cars and Trucks and Things that Go' is still an all time favorite. In this book you will learn about the clothes Scarry liked to wear, his homes in Cap Ferrat and Gstaad, his refusal to ever remove snow tires from his Mercedes and that he used to carry gold bars (along with his royalty records and wads of cash) around in a bag which was stolen from the restaurant of the Plaza Hotel in New York. Apparently he was outraged the hotel didn't try to find the bag or reimburse him and after that he never returned to New York. Maybe Eloise took the bag....Maybe it wasn't a great idea to haul a bag full of gold around New York city in 1980 and maybe it isn't surprising that a hotel isn't going to reimburse you for a bag you had sitting right next to you while you dined.
The most interesting part of the book is the last little section on his process and the print production techniques used when he was at his height.
Strictly for the most die hard of Scarry fans. None of the wit and humor of his drawings show up in this biography.
The most interesting part of the book is the last little section on his process and the print production techniques used when he was at his height.
Strictly for the most die hard of Scarry fans. None of the wit and humor of his drawings show up in this biography.
March 6, 2014
I liked it, but it was a little bit boring! The details about the book contracts and selling his houses were not interesting. The best parts were the illustrations (of course) and the part at the end where the process of creating his books was described.
May 25, 2008
A very interesting tale of Scarry's life and how he did his drawings. A very interesting read.
April 17, 2009
The biography of my favorite writer as a kid.
Scarry was from my home state.
Lowly Worm was created the year I was born.
Scarry was from my home state.
Lowly Worm was created the year I was born.
April 24, 2016
Richard Scarry had a very fun and interesting life and I really enjoyed learning more about him. I spend much of the day reading his *many* books to my children. It's great to know more about him.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews