Top Ten Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll and Christopher Myers, ill. New York: Jump at the Sun, 2007.

ISBN 9781423103721

Re-interpretation of Lewis Carroll famous nonsensical poem with a new interpretation by writer illustrator Christopher Myers, who takes the poem to basketball courts to show sports as a moral battleground.

Media: Pencil and watercolor.

5Q/5P

Significant aspects of the books artwork Christopher uses poster-like, primary-based, primal pictures. He uses a variety of media such as watercolor and pencil. Myers's colors are bold and bright, his defined figures spring from watercolor-wash backgrounds and the typeface of the words convey a jagged urgency. Abrupt imbalance of characters and action add to the modernity of the tale and add action. The colorful language is perfectly suited to the vivid and action filled illustrations.  Visible sharp edges give way to blurred lines adding vivacity and contrast to the illustrations. Colors, that are opposite on the color wheel, increase the drama along with geometric shapes and primary color. Shading is almost completely avoided in the illustrations and adds to the dynamics. Shapes are geometric and organic. The collage and change of colors and color combination add to the whimsy and action of the text. Broad strokes, bright colors, and words that shout from the page, makes the inner city summer come alive along with Lewis Carrols nonsense poem. It feels like a rap song and the illustrations help with that effect especially the typeface.

• use of rhythm through the text and/or through the illustrations.

Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe: all mimsy were the borogoves gyre, and the mome raths outgrabe (Myers). Jabberwocky by Christopher Meyers.

D. Guhl Summer 2009

Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll and Christopher Myers, ill.  NY: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children, 2007.  ISBN  978-142310372-1

Based on Carroll's imaginative poem, Christopher Myers has given it a whole new meaning with his dramatic artwork centered around the basketball court.  Strong, graphic lettering puts emphasis on the wording of the poem.

Illustrations:  Vibrant and bold paintings

Themes:  Poetry, Basketball

Literary Device:  Use of Rhythm:  "The Vorpal Blade went Snicker-Snack!  He Left it Dead, and with its head he went galumphing back."

Significant Art Contribution:  Myers strong graphic style combines well with the rhythmic words.  Large block type and bright, vibrant colors with the exaggerated black figures make for an unforgettable presentation.  Words are emphasized by a change of color enclosed in a contrasting color, again emphasizing words, thoughts and actions. 

5Q/4Q

ggolden

7/9/09 

Citation: Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll and Christopher Myers. New York: Jump at the Sun, 2007.

ISBN: 1423103726

Annotation:  Contemporary interpretation of Carroll’s poem taking place in an urban basketball court. The protagonist must battle the intimidating Jabberwocky in a game of basketball. Who will win this frightening challenge?   

Media: Pencil, Watercolor

Literary Device:  Rhythm- “O frabjas day! Callooh Callay!” This line of poetry indicates rhythm stressed and unstressed syllables are arranged in a flowing pattern.

Curricular Connections: 5th-7th grade English/Language Arts. Subjects-  Lewis Carroll, Poetry, Jabberwocky, Urban life, Basketball

Rating: 5Q/5P

S.F 6/21