Elem. – Beautiful Useful Things: What William Morris Made

Kephart, Beth. Beautiful Useful Things: What William Morris Made. Cameron Kids, 2022. 978-1-951-83633-7. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades 2-4. 

While adults may be familiar with the work of William Morris, this picture book may be a child’s first introduction to the famous designer. As a young boy growing up in 19th century England, Morris loved the outdoors and enjoyed the beauty of nature. As he grew older, he studied medieval crafts and incorporated them into his signature designs, but with a Victorian touch. This was the time of the Industrial Revolution and many items were being mass-produced with little variety or style. William believed that factories were causing a disruption of the environment and peoples’ lives and advocated for workers’ rights. Morris opened a workshop where he treated his employees well, as they fabricated wallpaper, tapestries, furniture, rugs, stained glass windows and fabrics, created by hand and drawn from nature. He understood that while things should be useful, it was just as important for them to “honor beauty.” In his later years, William produced handmade books and created new fonts for his own Kelmscott Press. In the author’s note, Kephart remarks that Morris laid the groundwork for the Arts and Crafts Movement. Some of his designs, like “Strawberry Thief” are still produced today. Melodie Stacey, a British illustrator, is an admirer of William Morris, and her colorful drawings are a tribute to his fabulous motifs.

THOUGHTS: This biography of a classic “maker” is a good choice for art teachers and for makerspace activities. Suitable for elementary collections.

Biography          Denise Medwick, Retired, PSLA Member
92, 921. 709.2

Elem. – Someone Builds the Dream

Wheeler, Lisa. Illustrated by Loren Long. Someone Builds the Dream. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2021. Unpaged. 978-1-984-81433-3. $18.99. Grades K-3.  

Have you ever wondered how buildings, bridges, and towers come to be? Of course there is the designer or architect who engineers, plans, and directs, and of course there are the workers who ‘build the dream.’ Different abilities blend together to result in the desired end: the building, the bridge, the wind farm, the amusement park, and even the book. Long weaves beautiful creations and diverse people into the examples of dreams growing and dreams coming true. This works well to celebrate diversity, Labor Day, all types of workers, and community. The text rhymes just enough to guide the cadence, but does not seem overdone or silly.  The art and text work well together to honor the work of those who create at any stage. Repeat readers will enjoy details such as the ironworker on an early page, reading the book to a child on a later page.

THOUGHTS: Long acknowledges using 1930s WPA murals as inspiration for the tone and spirit of the work, and the reader can feel the pride of many jobs well-done. This could be helpful in introducing young people to a variety of careers.  Highly recommended.

Picture Book          Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD