Book Summary:
This is the story of Audrey Hepburn. The picture book reads as a biography in the form of a picture book story. It tells of her childhood desires and work to be a ballerina. It mentions her life during World War II and how her and her family handled hard times. The story takes the reader through Audrey's attempt and commitment to acting once her ballerina dreams fell through. All in all, it relays the kind of person Audrey was and how she impacted the world through her persistence, hard work, and compassion for others.
APA Reference of Book:
Cardillo, M. (2011). Just being Audrey. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.
Impressions:
My major impression of this book is the writer does an excellent job of establishing Audrey's character throughout. There is never a doubt in the reader's mind that Audrey is a good person who represents an excellent example for people around the world. The theme of the book (perseverance and standing on morals no matter what) is not something that is beaten over the readers head, but instead is alluded to naturally through Audrey's story.
While the language used in the book is not challenging, there are definite moments where a new word is introduced that the reader may not be familiar with. The writer is good about smoothly offering the definition to unfamiliar words within the text without causing a halt in the flow of the story.
The events of Audrey's life presented in the book are captivating and push the reader forward, allowing them to relate what they are seeing to their own life. I feel that this text is strong and able to stand the test of time mainly due to person it is mirroring.
The illustration within the text are beautiful and subtle enough to not detract from the story, but simply display the beauty that is Audrey Hepburn. The hues chosen for the pictures remind the reader of her humility and compassionate personality. They are such a compliment to the story told in this book.
Professional Review:
Grades 1-3. It’s hard to believe life for Audrey Hepburn was ever anything but smart clothes, quirky expressions, and wistful gazes into the eyes of Cary Grant, but Cardillo makes a strong case to the contrary. Growing up in WWII–era Europe, Audrey wanted only to be a dancer, but the other girls made fun of her physical hurdles: “She was too tall, her feet were too big, and her neck was too long,” and “her eyes seemed too big for her head.” Young readers will get the message: these were precisely the traits that made Audrey an iconic beauty as an adult. In short order, she was spotted by entertainment heavyweights for her je ne sais quoi and quickly catapulted to fame. Denos’ soft pastel illustrations cut just the right Audrey outline (complete with flapping neck scarf), and fans will especially enjoy picking out the movie roles depicted in a two-page spread of costumes. Her later humanitarian deeds are given their due, but it is Audrey’s simple kindness that is emphasized throughout.
Reference:
Review of Just Being Audrey, by M. Cardillo. (2010). Booklist, 107(7). Retrieved from www.titlewave.com
Library Uses:
This text could be used during character lessons in the library. Students would be exposed (through picture books) to prominent figures throughout history that display moral character. The students could then conduct research to find other models of character or conduct interviews with those they know that they believe are of great character.
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