LOOK!BOOK!

~ Julie is back with this month's LOOK!BOOK!

Last week I heard the story of how the celebrated designer Leo Lionni first discovered children’s books at age 50. It really captured my imagination and I thought I’d share it here.

Lionni was taking the train at Grand Central Station with his two young grandchildren. Before long, the little ones began to act up and so he said he would tell them a story. Without any books to hand, he rummaged in his briefcase and found a copy of Life magazine.

Seizing inspiration, first he tore out the pages of the magazine, and from the pages, he tore circles in various colors.

“I put my briefcase on my knees to make a table and in a deep voice said, "This is Little Blue, and this is Little Yellow," as I placed the round pieces of colored paper onto the leather stage.

Apparently his grandchildren were mesmerized by the story (along with the rest of the carriage) and the rest, as they say, is history.

Not to go all American Beauty but from now on, whenever I feel creatively zapped, I’m going to try and think about how even the simplest bit of inspiration can launch something amazing.

P.S.

If you aren’t into picture books check out: A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, now in paperback. Egan is longlisted for the Orange Prize in the UK (shortlist will be announced today), and we read this in book club last month.

For me Goon Squad was a real grower. At first, the changing eras, narrators and points of view frustrated me, but once I got farther along, I couldn’t put it down. Especially the last chapter, which may feel a bit frivolous, or it may strike a chord with you, as it did with me.

~ Julie