What do you think?
Rate this book
Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz
As the artist behind the beloved Peanuts comic strip for more than 50 years, Charles Schulz—arguably the most famous cartoonist in the world—created a colorful cast of characters that continues to bring humor and comfort to millions of readers.
In this distinctively designed yet highly accessible book, renowned children's biographer Beverly Gherman traces both the life events that shaped Schulz's art and the various ways in which art influenced his life in return. Acclaimed by artists ranging from Andrew Wyeth to Mo Willems, the artistic elements of Schulz's work are brought to life in a colorful layout and thoroughly explored in an enchanting text that will draw in even the most reluctant readers.
In this distinctively designed yet highly accessible book, renowned children's biographer Beverly Gherman traces both the life events that shaped Schulz's art and the various ways in which art influenced his life in return. Acclaimed by artists ranging from Andrew Wyeth to Mo Willems, the artistic elements of Schulz's work are brought to life in a colorful layout and thoroughly explored in an enchanting text that will draw in even the most reluctant readers.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Gherman
14 books3 followersBEVERLY GHERMAN has previously written children's biographies of Georgia O'Keeffe, Agnes de Mille, Sandra Day O'Connor, E.B. White, Wilhelm Röntgen, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Norman Rockwell. She lives in San Francisco, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 21, 2010
Sitting in the biography section of my children's room are crisp, new, clean, pristine biographies of all sorts of people. Saints and sailors, presidents and queens, you name it. We got `em. But roundabout the "sch" side of things lies an old autobiography circa 1980. It's called Charlie Brown Snoopy and Me And All the Other Peanuts Characters. by Charles M. Schulz with R. Smith Kiliper. I think that back in the day my library had tons of copies of this title in all the library branches, but due to the sheer amount of use that number has dwindled down to a measly two copies. The worst part is that no matter how beat up, ragged, and torn they become we can't get rid of them either! This is the only Charles Schulz biography for kids out there and by gum we're going to keep it until it falls apart . . . or until we see something better. Enter Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz. Author Beverly Gherman has, probably unbeknownst to her, answered my prayers. A biography that is not only necessary and desirable but also beautifully designed and fun to read, kids who have never even heard of Peanuts (and they exist) will be inclined to read about this shy Minnesota boy who went on to become a war hero and America's most successful comic strip artist.
Born November 26, 1922, Charles Monroe Schulz grew up a shy, bespectacled boy when a penchant for drawing. His nickname "Sparky" turned out to be almost portentous, coming as it did from a horse in the comic strip Barney Google. After graduating from art school he served in the army with distinction. After that he started drawing cartoons and one in particular, a comic strip with a title he never really liked, took off. Sparky is the story of the man behind Peanuts and not the story of the strip alone. Still, by looking at Mr. Schulz's life, kids can see how art is influenced by experience, even when the person doing the drawing can't see how much of their life escapes through their pen.
Kids read biographies for a variety of different reasons. They're given a biographical assignment or they have to research a certain person at a certain time. The kids I like are the ones who have an interest in reading up on famous figures that touch them in some way just for fun. And Charles Schulz, like it or lump it, is one such fella. We have biographies of Walt Disney and Jim Henson in our children's rooms. Why not Charles Schulz? The thing is, Sparky is heads and tales better than any of those Disney/Henson bios (at least for now). It knows how to make its subject palatable, and it's complemented by a well designed text that gives you enough Peanuts comic strips and photographs to keep you interested, but not so many that they distract from the story of Sparky's life.
A couple years ago a very different Charles Schulz biography came out. Called Schulz and Peanuts A Biography, author David Michaelis was writing for adults and so made no bones about some of the unhappier episodes on Sparky's life. Readers of that book might be baffled as to how such a man could be honestly portrayed in a children's biography. Gherman doesn't shrink from the prospect, and neither does she paint Schulz's existence as a never-ending series of puffy pink clouds and rainbows. We live in an age when a children's biography can show the complexity of its subject without dwelling on the gory details of adulthood. So it is that we learn about the "Little Redheaded Girl" who jilted Sparky, his divorce from his first wife, and his childhood shyness and unhappiness at times. On the flip side, no mention is made of Michaelis's contention that Sparky's mother was domineering. The loss is not keenly felt. Indeed, you get the feeling that there is little speculation going on in this book. Gherman has chosen to pull from a variety of sources, including Michaelis, and rounds out her research with the archives of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, as well as interviews with Jeannie Schulz (second wife), Monte Schulz (son), Amy Schulz Johnson (daughter), and Jill Schulz Transki (daughter). The result is a biography compelling in its openness and honesty.
Insofar as I can tell, the publication page seems to be saying that one Jennifer Bostic of Paper Plane Studio did the design of this book. If this is true, can someone go on out and buy Jennifer Bostic some kind of big shiny award or something? Designers come and designers go but coming up with a design for a children's biography that pleases the adult gatekeepers and is enjoyable enough to be read by the small fry voluntarily is no walk in the park. On top of that, it does an excellent job with the large font. Though it comes in at 128 pages, the book really isn't that long. And with the visual elements and colors constantly shifting, it's anything but a dry read. A page of white text on blue paper can turn to yellow text on green paper with the flip of a page and for some reason it doesn't jar the reader's senses. Add in all the photographs, Peanuts strips, and old drawings and you've a book any kid would be mighty pleased to read. The design fits the subject matter.
I'm reminded of the power of Peanuts any time I try to read the very first one and not laugh out loud. "Good ol' Charlie Brown . . . How I hate him." Hate Charlie Brown if you must, but hating Charles Schulz would take some doing. Kids looking for a book about the Peanuts comic strips won't find a book that's all about Snoopy or anything like that. This is just the story of a cartoonist. An artist that all kids can appreciate and maybe hope to become. Good writing, good images, good design, good deal. A bio too long in coming. Let's hope that there are more of its ilk coming down the pike.
For ages 8 and up.
Born November 26, 1922, Charles Monroe Schulz grew up a shy, bespectacled boy when a penchant for drawing. His nickname "Sparky" turned out to be almost portentous, coming as it did from a horse in the comic strip Barney Google. After graduating from art school he served in the army with distinction. After that he started drawing cartoons and one in particular, a comic strip with a title he never really liked, took off. Sparky is the story of the man behind Peanuts and not the story of the strip alone. Still, by looking at Mr. Schulz's life, kids can see how art is influenced by experience, even when the person doing the drawing can't see how much of their life escapes through their pen.
Kids read biographies for a variety of different reasons. They're given a biographical assignment or they have to research a certain person at a certain time. The kids I like are the ones who have an interest in reading up on famous figures that touch them in some way just for fun. And Charles Schulz, like it or lump it, is one such fella. We have biographies of Walt Disney and Jim Henson in our children's rooms. Why not Charles Schulz? The thing is, Sparky is heads and tales better than any of those Disney/Henson bios (at least for now). It knows how to make its subject palatable, and it's complemented by a well designed text that gives you enough Peanuts comic strips and photographs to keep you interested, but not so many that they distract from the story of Sparky's life.
A couple years ago a very different Charles Schulz biography came out. Called Schulz and Peanuts A Biography, author David Michaelis was writing for adults and so made no bones about some of the unhappier episodes on Sparky's life. Readers of that book might be baffled as to how such a man could be honestly portrayed in a children's biography. Gherman doesn't shrink from the prospect, and neither does she paint Schulz's existence as a never-ending series of puffy pink clouds and rainbows. We live in an age when a children's biography can show the complexity of its subject without dwelling on the gory details of adulthood. So it is that we learn about the "Little Redheaded Girl" who jilted Sparky, his divorce from his first wife, and his childhood shyness and unhappiness at times. On the flip side, no mention is made of Michaelis's contention that Sparky's mother was domineering. The loss is not keenly felt. Indeed, you get the feeling that there is little speculation going on in this book. Gherman has chosen to pull from a variety of sources, including Michaelis, and rounds out her research with the archives of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, as well as interviews with Jeannie Schulz (second wife), Monte Schulz (son), Amy Schulz Johnson (daughter), and Jill Schulz Transki (daughter). The result is a biography compelling in its openness and honesty.
Insofar as I can tell, the publication page seems to be saying that one Jennifer Bostic of Paper Plane Studio did the design of this book. If this is true, can someone go on out and buy Jennifer Bostic some kind of big shiny award or something? Designers come and designers go but coming up with a design for a children's biography that pleases the adult gatekeepers and is enjoyable enough to be read by the small fry voluntarily is no walk in the park. On top of that, it does an excellent job with the large font. Though it comes in at 128 pages, the book really isn't that long. And with the visual elements and colors constantly shifting, it's anything but a dry read. A page of white text on blue paper can turn to yellow text on green paper with the flip of a page and for some reason it doesn't jar the reader's senses. Add in all the photographs, Peanuts strips, and old drawings and you've a book any kid would be mighty pleased to read. The design fits the subject matter.
I'm reminded of the power of Peanuts any time I try to read the very first one and not laugh out loud. "Good ol' Charlie Brown . . . How I hate him." Hate Charlie Brown if you must, but hating Charles Schulz would take some doing. Kids looking for a book about the Peanuts comic strips won't find a book that's all about Snoopy or anything like that. This is just the story of a cartoonist. An artist that all kids can appreciate and maybe hope to become. Good writing, good images, good design, good deal. A bio too long in coming. Let's hope that there are more of its ilk coming down the pike.
For ages 8 and up.
May 25, 2020
I've read the autobiography of Schulz last year and pretty much known him from what he'd provide in My Life with Charlie Brown. However, this book gives a closer look at his life from other people's perspectives.
July 11, 2020
A light, fast read--so light it edged into "lite" superficiality at times and the writing did not flow well. I did enjoy learning more about Schulz' life and how it affected his work. Unfortunately, the comic strips included are impossible to see in the ebook edition.
February 13, 2011
A colorful biography of one of the most successful and best-known American cartoonists! Charles Schulz was born in 1922 and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota during the Great Depression. He was always doodling and drawing, and ended up taking art school correspondence courses (he got his assignments in the mail and then mailed in his finished work). He graduated from art school six days before Pearl Harbor was bombed, and he was drafted into the Army months later. Before he shipped out to Europe, he saw his very ill mother for the last time before she passed away. One of her last requests was that he name their next dog... Snoopy. He was a good soldier, and earned promotions and a medal for excellence in combat. When he arrived home, he found a variety of jobs that kept him busy until he was able to sell his first comic strip to the United Features Syndicate in New York. It was called "Lil' Folks" -- but the editors renamed it "Peanuts." That was the beginning of more than 50 years of comic strips! Not all of his life was as successful, though, and this book doesn't skip those parts of his story. Charles Schulz knew heartbreak and sadness, and was worried that people wouldn't like his work... even after he had won awards. The lessons he learned became the lines for his Peanuts characters, and newspaper readers all over discovered their own problems and laughs in the world he created. I especially liked the larger size font and colored pages, and how the designer alternated pages of text with pictures and cartoons. 4th-8th grade.
August 29, 2015
I knew what I was getting myself into when I picked this book up from the library. It's not your typical biography....at least for adults.
Yes, this Charles Schulz biography leans way more towards a children's read. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun or informative or inspiring.
I think cartoonists must be incredibly reclusive. Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes), Gary Larson (The Far Side) and Charles Schulz (Peanuts) all have very little out there in terms of biographical material. Which sucks because I would love to learn about what makes them tick and how they came to create some of the best cartoons of all time.
Sparky was a quick read...very quick, but like I said - I was happy to get something as opposed to nothing. But while it's an easy afternoon read, I came away knowing a bit more about this iconic artist.
The writing is very simple, to the point, and at times very quick to change subjects...but that's what you get when you read a kids book.
Ultimately, this book has left me wanting more. Where is the definitive Schulz bio? That's what I want to read.
A fun, speedy read and a trip down memory lane....about all I could've asked for out of this book.
Yes, this Charles Schulz biography leans way more towards a children's read. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun or informative or inspiring.
I think cartoonists must be incredibly reclusive. Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes), Gary Larson (The Far Side) and Charles Schulz (Peanuts) all have very little out there in terms of biographical material. Which sucks because I would love to learn about what makes them tick and how they came to create some of the best cartoons of all time.
Sparky was a quick read...very quick, but like I said - I was happy to get something as opposed to nothing. But while it's an easy afternoon read, I came away knowing a bit more about this iconic artist.
The writing is very simple, to the point, and at times very quick to change subjects...but that's what you get when you read a kids book.
Ultimately, this book has left me wanting more. Where is the definitive Schulz bio? That's what I want to read.
A fun, speedy read and a trip down memory lane....about all I could've asked for out of this book.
December 20, 2010
I wanted to like this book more...I love reading biographies...especially the new type of biographies being written for children & young adults. I loved the layout and look of this book but I thought the writing and information provided was really random and disjointed. It was interesting learning about this man and his work. I grew up on a very healthy "diet" of Peanuts but realized I knew nothing about its creator. This is a decent (albeit incomplete) introduction to this man.
December 26, 2015
I normally don't like biographies and ones for a young audience are normally even worse. However I love this one. My daughter and I have taken a love to all things Charlie Brown and reading Sparky was fun. One thing I didn't know is Charles Schultz spent his childhood traveling to the area I grew up in. That's some small world considering the town is so tiny!!! It's a small world after all.
March 11, 2016
This book was written by Beverly Gherman. It is called It is biography so it's non-fiction.I read this book because Ms.Spencer said it is good.
The book is bibliography about a person who wrote comics. He had hard life while living in america. He was soldier, his mother died because of cancer like him.
I love this book it easy to read and I would recommend it 12+ because it can be not interesting for little kids.
The book is bibliography about a person who wrote comics. He had hard life while living in america. He was soldier, his mother died because of cancer like him.
I love this book it easy to read and I would recommend it 12+ because it can be not interesting for little kids.
February 12, 2012
What a great little biography of Charles Schultz! This attractive book is complete with Peanuts comic strips and photos of Schultz's family and youth. It is a quick read, with short chapters filled with images. I'm glad I ordered this for the Maxson Library! Now i have to convince the students to check it out!
March 10, 2011
Beautifully designed and very accessible to children. It really made me want to read the David Michaelis adult version.
I really wish goodreads would let us give half stars! This is totally 3.5, really!
I really wish goodreads would let us give half stars! This is totally 3.5, really!
September 26, 2011
This chapter book incorporates pictures and Peanuts cartoons as it tells about award-winning cartoonist Charles Schulz. Interesting exploration of how people and events in Schulz's life influenced the content of his comic strips.
December 3, 2010
A lovely, well-designed book that tells Charles Schulz's life story in a conversational and inspiring w ay, with plenty of photos and cartoons to keep young readers laughing.
November 24, 2013
I see all the higher rated reviews but I was disappointed in the lack of depth. A decent overview but just that.
October 29, 2015
A delightful informative piece about a much beloved artist.
October 6, 2019
I confess, I'm a fan of Charles Schulz's cartoons. I didn't know much about him until I read Beverly Gherman's eleven-chapter biography. The author presents young Charles Schulz in St. Paul, MN, showing his interest in drawing cartoons, his ups and downs, and how his art work improved as his talent develops. Army service during World War II boosted Schulz's confidence. Returning to St. Paul, he worked as an art instructor, made friends with other artists, married, divorced, and married again before settling in California and raising a family while drawing cartoons for newspapers across the nation. Schulz went on to create several t.v. shows and worked until his death at age 78. Gherman includes back matter and b/w photos of Schulz. Her delightful story about one of the best cartoonists of all time is also illustrated with Schulz's funny b/w comic strips and later colored cartoons (I burst out laughing when I read them!) Author concludes with a strong ending: Schulz's last cartoon and written message to his "friends" which happened to be published the day after his death.
March 16, 2020
A very colorful account of Charles Shultz's journey as an artist. Nicknamed Sparky as a child, he was naturally drawn to doodling and illustrating. His life story is highlighted through accounts of his childhood, his time in the war, and his reentry into society. Charles' infamous character Snoopy was a name suggestion by his mother on her death bed. His comic strip Peanuts was world renowned and reflected his observations of life and sensitive nature. He was described as a caring, thoughtful person who always strive to do better and never took anything for granted. Personally, Charles had 6 kids, two wives and lots of animals. He worked up until the day before he died and loved his work.
Recommended for grades 5+
Topics: biography, artist
Bonus: lots of examples of his comic strips over the years, his doodles and each page a different color makes the text structure engaging
Recommended for grades 5+
Topics: biography, artist
Bonus: lots of examples of his comic strips over the years, his doodles and each page a different color makes the text structure engaging
January 2, 2024
A must read for Peanuts fans and anyone who loves Snoopy, this is the biography of Charles Schulz from when he first became interested in painting, to when his talent blossomed, to when he found work and became known to the world.
As a writer, I admire Charles Schulz's talent and humor.
At the end of the book, there is a message about Charles Schulz closing the curtain on his 50 years of animation production and retiring.
We will always love your peanut creations, thank you Charles Schulz!
As a writer, I admire Charles Schulz's talent and humor.
At the end of the book, there is a message about Charles Schulz closing the curtain on his 50 years of animation production and retiring.
We will always love your peanut creations, thank you Charles Schulz!
December 23, 2020
Who would not like a biography of Charles Schulz? For most people, Charlie Brown and the gang have become real through the wonderful talents of this cartoonist. This is intended for children, but is great for anybody wanting a simple biography of “Sparky”. It is well written and includes a lot of information that I was unaware of. I highly recommend for all children and who ever were children.
May 15, 2020
Great look into the Loire of one of the world’s greatest cartoonists.
Loved learning a bit more about this beloved cartoonist. It was a delight to learn about what motivated him and how he reached down to the deep and made it simple for everyone to understand.
Loved learning a bit more about this beloved cartoonist. It was a delight to learn about what motivated him and how he reached down to the deep and made it simple for everyone to understand.
May 11, 2025
3.5/5 Concise biography of the author/ creator of the classic Peanuts comic strip. Though Charles M Schultz was an introvert, a Second World War army sergeant and correspondence school tutor, he was convinced he would one day be a successful cartoonist.
January 3, 2018
A quick, lighthearted read about the life of one of the most influential figures of my childhood. That last published cartoon makes me tear up every time.
July 2, 2018
Great overview of Schultz's life and writing!
February 27, 2020
For those who want to learn more about the creator of Peanuts this is a quick fun read splattered with picture and comics.
November 10, 2020
Amazing book!!!!
December 30, 2021
Excellent short biography of my favorite cartoonist.
April 14, 2023
I learned about this book when I had read another book by Gherman. I really enjoyed learning about this incredible man!
December 14, 2023
It was good.Love the characters.But I think the other one was better.
June 29, 2024
I didn't realize this was such a young reader bio, but it was good, nevertheless. I learned a lot and got some insight into Schulz's life and about Peanuts.
December 17, 2022
Intenta el mínimo de presentar la vida de Schulz sin algún material de densidad reflexiva, sólamente anecdotaria.
Eso también incluye un aderezo totalmente dulce y banal de sus complejidades como autor y persona... mejor leer la Wiki en tal caso.
Eso también incluye un aderezo totalmente dulce y banal de sus complejidades como autor y persona... mejor leer la Wiki en tal caso.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews