Action Jackson

by Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan, Robert Andrew Parker (Illustrator)

One late spring morning the American artist Jackson Pollock began work on the canvas that would ultimately come to be known as Number 1, 1950 ( Lavender Mist ).

Award-winning authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan use this moment as the departure point for a unique picture book about a great painter and the way in which he worked. Their lyrical text, drawn from Pollock's own comments and those made by members of his immediate circle, is perfectly complemented by vibrant watercolors by Robert Andrew Parker that honor his spirit of the artist without imitating his paintings.

A photographic reproduction of the finished painting, a short biography, a bibliography, and a detailed list of notes and sources that are fascinating reading in their own right make this an authoritative as well as beautiful book for readers of all ages.

Action Jackson is a Sibert Honor Book, a New York Times Best Book of the Year, and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, History

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Jan Greenberg is an award-winning author celebrated for her books about art and artists. Her collaborations with Sandra Jordan include Action Jackson and Christo and Jean-Claude: Through the Gates and Beyond, both honored for excellence in nonfiction. Vincent Van Gogh, Portrait of an Artist earned a Sibert Honor and became a Common Core text exemplar. She later co-authored Ballet for Martha and The Mad Potter, each receiving starred reviews and Sibert Honors. In 2013, she and Jordan received the Children’s Book Guild Award. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action Jackson Good job exploring Jackson's creative process and giving some glimpses into his personality. Appreciate the actual quotes sprinkled throughout. You need to read the back matter for more of the lifelong biography as the story itself just touches upon a particular period of creativity (I don't have a problem with this). I'm glad to say a few of Jackson's actual works are reproduced here and it also includes some photographs, bibliography, etc. -- very good back matter. I personally am not a fan of the style of the illustrations but I do think they do a good job of conveying a sense of movement which is so important with Jackson's work.

[Ben Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Jackson is a children's picture book co-written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan and illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker. Nicknamed "Action Jackson" for his kinetic style, abstract artist Jackson Pollack takes the spotlight in this outstanding picture book biography.

Paul Jackson Pollock was an American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. He was widely noticed for his "drip technique" of pouring or splashing liquid household paint onto a horizontal surface, enabling him to view and paint his canvases from all angles.

The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Weaving in quotes from Pollack himself and child-friendly details, the authors craft an imaginative account grounded in solid research and enlivened with lyrical prose. Backmatter includes an extensive afterword, notes, sources, photographs, and quotes. Parker suggests the artist's graceful motion with the barest of penstrokes. His impressionistic pen-and-watercolor illustrations pay homage to the painter's sweep of line and color.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Readers follow Pollack into his barn studio, watch over his shoulder as he lays the canvas on the floor and begins to work – all the while learning about his early life and influences.

All in all, Action Jackson is a stunning collaboration, which is a pleasure to read.

[Jeff Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this book besides the great pictures and story is that it is written for a wide age range of readers (6-10). The majority of the books is written for the lower age range with short passages and great illustrations. For the more advanced reader though the end of the book has a more in-depth text heavy two page biography on Pollack along with a list followed by notes, sources, and a bibliography for the more advanced readers. As a historian I also like that the book is authentic to Pollack's life, and although it is only a brief mention the authors did not shy away from the fact that Pollack suffered from alcoholism and depression. The authors did their due diligence with their research too, because I was pleased to see referenced Thomas Hart Benton who was Pollack's art teacher for many years. Two thumbs up! ~The Librarian Uncle

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intermediate picture book about the life of Jackson Pollock

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing my read of Sibert Winners and Honors. This one is on Jackson Pollock and in particular one of his paintings, Number 1 1950 (Lavender Mist). It is a compelling story. And to me the painting itself looks like very pretty floor tile. Good writing and art that communicates the style without it being the exact same style. I would have liked to have seen more reproductions of the art. But readable and not a bad intro.

[Cheryl]

I know I read and liked this. I don't remember when or a lot about it. So, onto the to-reread shelf it goes!

[liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an analysis review on behalf of Columbia College Chicago's Children's Literature course. The following review may have some spoilers, but please read on and discus with me.

Jan Greenburg and Sandra Jordan present an account of Jackson Pollock’s creative process in the form of this 2014 children’s book. However, while experiencing, it reads more like a chapter out of a book about Pollock set to illustration – very traditionally written, set, and described. Based on the intended audience, according to Scholastic’s Book Wizard, it’s a great stepping stone book for students in third through fifth grade, but may be better understood as a whole (both topically and implicitly) later in their years, potentially early middle school.

To help understand how the text in question relates to the art in focus, I’ve created the Art Work Synthesis (AWS) scale, to better pair similar texts together that share common uses of the reproductions of the art. Action Jackson has an AWS level of 3, which means that art is present, mentioned and is of foreground, primary focus (guiding the story line). Other books that share an AWS level of 3 are Edward Hooper Paints His World (Robert Burleigh) and Matisse’s Garden (Samantha Friedman). For Action Jackson, there is one reproduction present, on page 22, but the illustration style of the text matches the style and mood of Pollock as an artist. The story line directly talks about his process in creating Lavender Mist and there are direct quotes from interviews supporting the process. There is also accompanying biography, and further reproductions in the back of the text. The main problems with Action Jackson as a children’s book is that the title may be deceiving to some; I say this because the text feels the opposite of “action.” While the action is in the painting, children who are not directly interested in painting may feel bored, and maybe even confused by a lot of the metaphors that are in place. On top of that, the quoted words pose no beneficial support to the text, except to give direct word. For example, on page 20, it appears that he is speaking to himself when he says “the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.” Is he speaking to himself? Is he speaking to someone? Is this just a thought that he has to himself? I feel that without that quote, the story would be able to continue as normal.

Without a background interest, or during a particular lesson about painting, I feel that Action Jackson seems to be a book that children would best experience with the help of an adult, to support conversation and questions that may arise. The plot does introduce familiar vocabulary in a new way, but the build to the climax is lost in the monotone presentation of the text. The narrator is the one that shines, giving lots of detail and observation into Pollock’s process, but because of the style of writing, and the mood of the book, it reads more like a chapter out of book about his process, with illustrations supporting it. Finally, the character of Pollock is very flat; we don’t learn to much about him and all. The quotes try to give us that insight, but they seem misplaced. It’s a calming, professionally presented children’s tale about a classic, modern artist. Scholastic places this book ideally at the end of third grade, however I feel it would be better experienced, and more worthwhile, if it were placed in fifth to eight grade art classes, where they can have supporting discussion about his craft.

[Chasity Russell]

Curricular Connections: I would use this book to read out loud to my students as we learn many lessons about different kinds of art and paints. Then I will have my students create something using different kinds of paint and water colors and even different kinds of colorful paste that students could use for painting. We would make it fun by using whip cream and other things that are like whip cream that is edible. It’s all about being creative. These TEKS will help to incorporate the lessons and activities for students.



§117.102. Art, Kindergarten, Adopted 2013.

(b) Knowledge and skills.

(1) Foundations: observation and perception. The student develops and expands visual literacy skills using critical thinking, imagination, and the senses to observe and explore the world by learning about, understanding, and applying the elements of art, principles of design, and expressive qualities. The student uses what the student sees, knows, and has experienced as sources for examining, understanding, and creating artworks. The student is expected to:

(A) gather information from subjects in the environment using the senses; and

(B) identify the elements of art, including line, shape, color, texture, and form, and the principles of design, including repetition/pattern and balance, in the environment.

(2) Creative expression. The student communicates ideas through original artworks using a variety of media with appropriate skills. The student expresses thoughts and ideas creatively while challenging the imagination, fostering reflective thinking, and developing disciplined effort and progressive problem-solving skills. The student is expected to:

(A) create artworks using a variety of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms;

(B) arrange components intuitively to create artworks; and

(C) use a variety of materials to develop manipulative skills while engaging in opportunities for exploration through drawing, painting, printmaking, constructing artworks, and sculpting, including modeled forms.

(3) Historical and cultural relevance. The student demonstrates an understanding of art history and culture by analyzing artistic styles, historical periods, and a variety of cultures. The student develops global awareness and respect for the traditions and contributions of diverse cultures. The student is expected to:

(A) identify simple subjects expressed in artworks;

(B) share ideas about personal experiences such as family and friends and develop awareness and sensitivity to differing experiences and opinions through artwork;

(C) identify the uses of art in everyday life; and

(D) relate visual art concepts to other disciplines.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting! I'm one of the people who doesn't really understand Pollock's work, but I did enjoy learning about his process. I liked how the illustrations mirrored colors and shapes that might appear in the painting he is working on - such as the dark shapes of seagulls in a bluish sky over a greenish sea as Pollock sits on the beach. This would be an excellent book for introducing children to Jackson Pollock and abstract art. There is a more detailed biography along with an extensive and very interesting notes and sources section at the end. Maybe I could learn to like and understand Pollock's abstract paintings if I think about them as "energy and motion made visible."

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells a bit about how Jackson Pollack made his paintings. It was very interesting and my four-year-old son was very interested. I would have liked to see more large reproductions of his paintings at the end (there was one, plus some very small ones).

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting take on the work of Jackson Pollack. The speculation of how he worked and thought mixed in with actual facts made for a fun story for elementary students.

[Jess Bergoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: One afternoon, Jackson Pollock is preparing to begin a painting. Throughout the book, the reader learns Jackson Pollock's style, tools, and inspiration for his paintings. Towards the end of the book, we learn that this painting is what we know as "Number 1." The book concludes with Jackson Pollock beginning another painting.

Review: Jackson Pollock is one of my favorite artists, and I was so happy to find this beautiful picture book about him. I enjoyed the style used by the illustrator, and I felt that it went well with Jackson Pollock's uniqueness. Jackson Pollock's biography and other work appear at the end of the book, which is an excellent addition.

Pair: I would pair the book, "Action Jackson," with the book, "The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art," by Barb Rosenstock. Since Jackson Pollock and Vasya Kandinsky are both crucial figures in abstract art, it would be exciting for children to learn about both. The stories of Jackson Pollock and Vasya Kandinsky teach children how amazing the imagination is!

Quote: One quote that I think children would like is, "But everyone will agree--Jackson Pollock is doing something original, painting in a way that no one has ever seen before." I think this quote, along with the painting, "Number 1," inspires children to be themselves. Children don't have to do what everyone else is doing to be great; whatever they create is special and unique!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One late spring morning the American artist Jackson Pollock began work on the canvas that would ultimately come to be known as Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist).

Award-winning authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan use this moment as the departure point for a unique picture book about a great painter and the way in which he worked. Their lyrical text, drawn from Pollock's own comments and those made by members of his immediate circle, is perfectly complemented by vibrant watercolors by Robert Andrew Parker that honor his spirit of the artist without imitating his paintings.

A photographic reproduction of the finished painting, a short biography, a bibliography, and a detailed list of notes and sources that are fascinating reading in their own right make this an authoritative as well as beautiful book for readers of all ages.

Action Jackson is a Sibert Honor Book, a New York Times Best Book of the Year, and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.

[Blaine Gerdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and thought it would be a great way for children to become acquainted with Jackson Pollock. The illustrations were amazing because they were all painted, but the darker colors may not appeal to readers. The book provides great insight for readers into his life, at the end of the book there is a summary about Pollock's life including all the sources. I thought it was very interesting and that I learned a lot from the book about Pollock and how he takes his time with his artwork and leaves it after he has started and comes back to it to complete it.

[Tawanda Dabney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character Jackson Pollock was not the typical artist. He did not use an easel for his canvas. He would spread it out like a flat sheet of paper. He did not use artist paint. He would use house paint. He would sit and watch the canvas before he would paint. This character was very creative and eclectic style of painting. This book is intriguing. It tells about a real painter. I really enjoyed reading this book to my daughter.

[Olivia Hoist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg
10/6/18
5/5
Nonfiction biography, Grades 2-5
This book was a great way to introduce the artist Jackson Pollock! He is such an interesting artist and used random objects to paint. I think that this book is great for an elementary art class. This book was an easy read, but it did a good job of teaching me the style of Jackson's work. I highly recommend!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seibert award
Jackson Pollock is an amazing artist. He describes his work as "energy and motion made visible." when he began making the now iconic paintings , people were confused, angry, happy, excited - and no matter the personal response, they all agreed, Jackson was onto something new, original - unique.

[n · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are more interesting than both the story and Jackson Pollock.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reread!

[Anna Azarenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too little story for such a grand man. Like an outline, just give you shiny, a bit of flavor what does the art of Jackson Pollock mean

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is just ok. It shows how Jackson Pollock painted with his canvas on the ground, but there's not much information aside from that. Some of it is needlessly wordy

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating picture book biography about the painter, Jackson Pollock and how he created his paintings. The book focuses on a specific painting which makes it more real to younger students.

[Clare Deyarmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for younger students who are diving into biographies, promotes art and encouragement.

[Laura Scherbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book exploring Jackson Pollocks life and his splatter painting.

[Megangoldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The space between us feels like a promise waiting to be fulfilled. Shall we make it happen, with a slow, mindful touch?

[Jennifer Martelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Action Jackson
Author: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Illustrator: Robert Andrew Parker
Genre: Biography
Theme(s): painting and sculpting
Opening line/sentence: In the afternoon Jackson Pollock puts on his paint-splattered boots and walks across the yard.
Brief Book Summary: This book is a picture book about the famous artist Jackson Pollock. It shows how he created his paintings especially his painting “Lavender Mist”.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Martin Salisbury (Books for Keeps No. 155, November 2005)
Originally published in the US in 2002, this is an authoritative account of the life of the pioneering abstract expressionist painter, Jackson Pollock. Pollock turned the art world upside down in his short life with his revolutionary action paintings . Here, his life and work are nicely distilled through carefully chosen words and pictures. The narrative images are supplied by award-winning artist Robert Andrew Parker, who knew Pollock as a young man. Parker is a good choice, his gestural drawings providing an ideal balance of pictorial representation and a reflection of the movement and action in Pollock s work. The text is sensitively written, introducing the reader to Pollock s work through the everyday, ordinary activities of his life and thoughts, building up a sense of the ideas and reflections that informed the development of his paintings. The clear, crisp design, full of fresh white space, provides an appropriate backdrop for the focus of the book, the artist s work. MS Category: 8-10 Junior/Middle. Rating: 5 (Unmissable). ...., Frances Lincoln, 32pp; NON FICTION, 10.99 hbk. Ages 8 to 10.
(PUBLISHER: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (London:), PUBLISHED: 2005 c2002.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Michael O Reilly (Inis - The Magazine of Children's Books Ireland, Summer 2005 (No. 13))
There are lots of books on the shelves that present collections of art to children and that tell the life stories of artists, but few are as good as this one in that it sets out to show how an artist actually worked. I would rank this book alongside the best series of art books for children that I know -- the Prestel Adventures in Art series. The book is beautifully illustrated with watercolour paintings of daily scenes from the life of Jackson Pollock; of the artist at rest, at work and at play. The text is an excellent account of how the artist worked and of the stimuli that he used in creating his first action painting: Number 1: Lavender Mist in 1951. An appendix to the text presents a simple biography of the life of the artist. I think that this book would appeal to any who suffer from the I Can t Draw complex, in that the artist moved totally away from representational work in order to produce this piece of art. Pollock himself described art as energy and motion made visible and this book excellently describes his processes, how he worked and how he drew his inspiration from the work of Native American artists. This book would make a wonderful contribution to any teacher s programme of work in the area of looking at and responding to the work of artists. 2005, Frances Lincoln, 10.99. Ages 9 to adult.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with both of these reviews fully. I think that this book did a great job of showing how Jackson Pollock created his art. I also loved how the illustrator of this book created the illustrations according to how Jackson Pollock created art. This book is a great book to teach children about Jackson Pollock.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book includes simple text and illustrations throughout the entire book which makes it appropriate for middle aged readers around 6. However, this book is also geared towards more advance readers since it also includes a less simple written biography of Jackson Pollock at the end of the book. This book also gives readers a great amount of information of how Pollock created his art. This book consists of informational and biography aspects.
Consideration of Instructional Application: After reading this story aloud to my class we will together look at different paintings that Jackson Pollock created. Since throughout this story we learned how he created these paintings we will created art just like Jackson Pollock did.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple story about Jackson Pollock's daily life and style of art captivated my students. The book walks you through the creation of his famous painting "Lavender Mist." The author gave many sensory details throughout to keep readers engaged. The book also explicitly noted some people's negative reactions to his work, which was a great teaching point. This book won the Robert F. Sibert award.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book biography of Jackson Pollock that focuses on his painting methods, most specifically how he painted Lavender Mist. Further information on Pollock can be found in the back of the book.

To be honest, I'm not a Pollock fan and the art in this somewhat imitates his style (as is fitting...but still not my favorite). I do like books on how different artists work for kids, though, and this definitely highlights an unusual way one famous artist worked. I really appreciated that the authors started with a note clarifying which parts came from their imagination and which parts of this were fact. Great modeling of nonfiction writing for kids. The further info in the back is quite informative and fills in the gaps left out in the story.

[Ch13_julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides readers with the opportunity to look into the life of a famous painter, "Action Jackson", otherwise known as Jackson Pollock. Specifically, this book takes us through his journey of creating his famous painting, "Lavender Mist". Readers get to see how he created his masterpiece, what inspired him, and the overall process of completing the painting. It is a unique story, and so fascinating even for those who are not part of his fan base. This picture book was written in a poetic way, which pays tribute to the artist himself.

Almost all of the illustrations are done in watercolor and in a way that is said to reflect Pollock's own painting style. However, one page is an actual image of his final product, Lavender Mist. This one image truly brings the whole book to life. It is powerful to read through his process and then actually see what he created right there in the book. Readers will be inspired and in awe after finishing this book. We learn about the hard work and time it takes to create just one masterpiece. I have a new appreciation for artists and their unique working styles.

Readers will see themes of hard work and determination in this book. It would be a great book to use in elementary school, or even in an art class that was looking to incorporate some reading within the curriculum. The book features an inspirational figure and students may discover a new passion after reading about "Action Jackson". The end of the book features a short biography about his entire life and some of his other famous paintings. It also includes notes and sources in the back of the book.

[Sydney Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Being that it is a biography on an artist, I felt its beautiful illustrations were very fitting. Not only were the drawings unique and colorful but the outstanding writing that went with it had detail like no other picture book biography I have read before. The book went through the typical day of Jackson Pollock in a very simple way. It mentioned his pet crow, where he lived, what inspired him, and his painting process. The book described his crazy mind to go along with his abstract pictures. It depicted his unusual mind and art in a very beautifully simple way. I would love to use this in my classroom when discussing famous artists. Art is often overlooked in the classroom but I believe it is extremely important for students to be creative in school. A week could be designated to discuss types of art, famous artists, and allowing students to be an artist themselves. I would read this to the class out loud and be sure to point out the vivid colors and illustrations that match with such carefully crafted words to describe Jackson Pollock. I would show them images of his abstract work and discuss what abstract means. I would then allow them to create their own abstract art and encourage them to think outside of the box and not worry so much about mistakes just as it stated Jackson Pollock didn't.