The Secret World of Walter Anderson (Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children)
Grade 2–6—Born in New Orleans in 1903, this naturalist/painter "…may be the most famous American artist you've never heard of." Anderson grew up on the coast of the Mississippi River. He is best known for his Horn Island watercolors. This wild, uninhabited island was his inspiration and refuge for weeks at a time—his only shelter, the rowboat he used to get there. He would climb trees and wade in the water to capture his subjects; "Art was an adventure, and Walter Anderson was an explorer, first class." While a museum in Ocean Springs, LA, eventually housed much of his art, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the family's personal collection, and Anderson's cottage was left in ruins. Through simple language and quirky details, Bass makes an eccentric, unknown subject exciting and accessible to children. A lengthy author's note includes a more detailed account of Anderson's unorthodox life as well as reproductions of his work. Lewis's watercolors, in the blues, greens, grays, and browns of nature, capture the isolated beauty and wildness of the island. Enrich units on American artists or the environment with this title.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public SchoolsEND