Side by Side: Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go To Work

Marcus, Lenoard S.  2001.  Side by Side: Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work.  New York: Walker & Company.  ISBN 0802787789

This book provides the reader with insight to the imaginative and collaborative world of five picture-book teams.  Each team is highlighted in a separate chapter allowing for specific anecdotes to demonstrate how each team works best as a team.  The five teams include: Arthur Yorkinks and Richard Egielski; Alice and Martin Provensen; Jon Sciezka, Lane Smith and Molly Leach;  Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney; Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen.

Each of these teams is unique in the way they approach their crafts.  Some are in constant and personal contact, others meet only minimally and speak through their representatives, but no matter how they work, each team has effectively created  picture-books that will remain on library and school shelves for the duration. 

The book has taken direct quotes, samples of works in progress, and images of the completed books to illustrate how the team reaches its finished product.  The images in the book range from photographs of the team members to conceptual sketches to items that inspired one or more team member in their endeavor.  These images complement the text and allow the reader to fully understand what the text had already explained. 

In addition to the chapters, the book also includes a glossary to help younger readers fully grasp the meaning behind some of the publishing jargon that is presented throughout the book.  Without this glossary, more advanced young readers would still find this book approachable, but this addition allows other, less-advanced readers to approach it confidence.

“…well-written and beautifully designed book.” (Booklist, November 2001)

“…may inspire readers to their own creative teamwork.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, March 2002)

“…fascinating look at the collaborative process involved in creating picture books…” School Library Journal, November 2001)

“…Side by Side is a book that lives up to its subject.” (The Horn Book, January/February 2002)