Anno's Spain FROM THE PUBLISHER
The imaginative Anno takes us through Spain in his newest journey book, featuring twenty-one colorful, wordless spreads, depicting the enchanting cities and eras of this intriguing country. Discover once again—puzzle-like—the historic moments, hidden literary and artistic details, and, of course, discover Anno himself, as he wanders the unfolding countrysides.Mitsumasa Anno is well-known as one of the international greats in children's literature. Enthusiasts, new friends and old, will be eager to take this armchair trip through Spain, a country rich in architectural and environmental beauty, and historical events. An author's note is included.
FROM THE CRITICS
The Washington Post
Modern Spain recedes as the older Spain of literature and history comes into focus. The embedded allusions will naturally escape 4-year-olds, but for a lucky few, an image or template of what Anno calls this "holy place" may survive until needed. — Elizabeth Ward
Publishers Weekly
Working in his characteristically meticulous pen-and-ink and watercolor style, Anno (Anno's U.S.A.) takes readers on another diverting excursion, sharing his sweeping, affectionate view of Spain in a wordless paean to the history, culture, people, landscape and architecture of the country. Past and present collide creatively in the artist's double-page, thought-provoking panoramas. The first spread, for example, shows an individual rowing a small boat from the open water toward land. A flip of the page reveals a seaside village with a galleon from a bygone era anchored offshore (perhaps the rower's vessel?), a nearby fishing boat (does the "2003" painted on the bow place the craft in the present?), youngsters playing soccer by the beach, a small procession of banner- and cross-toting fellows in medieval garb and-observant readers will notice-the rower of the boat purchasing a horse from a villager. Youngsters will eagerly track this horseback rider (dressed in blue from head to foot) and his passages through richly evoked countryside and towns, and will spot both quotidian and special events along the route. Anno works into his sprawling pictures such happenings as a wedding, a funeral, a bustling open-air marketplace, a bullfight, festivals and the running of the bulls. As an endnote points out, not all of Anno's renderings are from real life: Don Quixote can be seen tilting at windmills; a miniature Guernica is displayed outdoors in Guernica. In this skilled artist's innovative, often playful presentation, every spread tells a story-and encourages readers to interpret it for themselves. This is a voyage to savor-and to embark on again and again. Ages 4-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Beverley Fahey
Anno is the master of the wordless journey. This time he takes the reader on a visual tour de force of Spain. Panoramic illustrations filled with meticulous details bring to life the grace of the people, the beauty of the land, the breathtaking architecture, the richness of the culture, and the exquisite art of Spain. Keen-eyed observers will watch for the rider in blue upon horseback and pore over every double-page spread eagerly seeking him. The journey comes full circle beginning with the man in blue rowing ashore from a sailing vessel anchored in the harbor. Anno juxtaposes scenes from history with contemporary life and his miniature figures depict Don Quixote tilting at windmills, the running of the bulls at Pamplona, and open- air markets exhibiting the works of Picasso and Salvatore Dali. The integral role of the Church is related in scenes celebrating the Virgin Mary and he gives a nod to Bizet and his opera Carmen. Grand churches, humble battlefields, pastoral life, and cities alive with activity all unfold naturally as the reader is visually satiated. The rider on horseback meanders the roads through towns large and small until at journey's end he rows out to the ship anchored at sea. Every page tells a story and each is open for discussion and interpretation. The endnotes will help the reader identify some of the places and people he has seen. The armchair tourist will not be disappointed with this trip in fact he may like so much that he will go back to it time and time again. 2003, Philomel Books, Ages 7 up.
School Library Journal
Gr 2-8-Detailed pen and ink and watercolors illustrate this wordless travelogue. Anno's aerial tour of Spanish landscapes and townscapes is timeless: along with sightings of 20th-century architectural and artistic icons (Sagrada Familia, Guernica, etc.) there are also scenes of 15th-century ships at sea, olive harvesting, country fairs and religious processions, and the running of the bulls at Pamplona. Throughout, there are nods to Spain's literary, artistic, and cultural heritage. Close observers will catch glimpses of Don Quixote and his corpulent companion, a melting clock a la Dal', flamenco dancers, and Barcelona's human pyramid. Tableaus (of Las Meninas, scenes from Carmen) add whimsy, while the inclusion of the Alhambra and a Roman aqueduct pay tribute to the country's history. While suitable for picture collections, this title would also be a great addition to Spanish-language classrooms.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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