Module 12

 Biography & Autobiography

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo

Illustrated by Julia Denos

Bibliography
Cardillo, M.  (2011). Just Being Audrey. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.


ISBN 978-0-06-185284-4

Summary

This book was as beautiful as Audrey herself, and that's not easy to be.  All Audrey wanted to do was be a ballerina, but she was made fun of by the other kids, she was told she was: too tall, her feet were too big, her neck was too long, but she never gave up nor did she get discouraged.  The reason for this is she had her mother who told her to never give up and instilled in her that above all she must be kind. The book follows her through her war-torn Europe to her Broadway debut.  She ended up being one of the biggest and seeked after start  of her generation and all because of her features she was made fun of, her height, her long and beautiful neck.  She also stayed kind like she was told to be, she was one of the first Hollywood actresses to use her fame for something great, such as her work with UNICEF. 

My Impression

All I have to say about this book is, WOW.  It was such a gorgeous book, the story, the person it was about, and the illustrations, they were so great, very good job both to the author and to the illustrator.  I loved it so much, I ordered it for myself.  The readers will also love the 2 page foldout of all the characters she portrayed.


Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Audrey Hepburn proves as irresistible a character in the pages of a children's book as she is in those soigné roles of the silver screen. Denos (Grandma's Gloves) is spot-on in her watercolor portraits of Hepburn at each stage of her life; even those readers who haven't seen Sabrina, Roman Holiday, or Charade (at least not yet) will understand instantly how Hepburn's ballerina bearing, gamine chic, and openhearted worldliness made her a one-of-a-kind star and fashion icon. Debut author Cardillo's literal, matter-of fact storytelling could have used a little more élan (especially given that her subject once spoke the urbane words of Peter Stone, Billy Wilder, and George Axelrod), but she gets her point across: "Audrey had become more than an actress; she was an inspiration. While most Hollywood starlets were curvy and wore glamorous outfits, Audrey would only be herself." And the story is packed with fascinating details about Hepburn's upbringing in WWII Europe and foray into acting. Any grownup who bemoans the way Katy Perry et al. dominate contemporary popular culture should buy this for their favorite girl—ASAP. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)


Children's Literature

When Audrey Hepburn was a little girl, she wanted to be a prima ballerina more than anything. But she was too tall, and so she decided to become an actress instead. This book describes the events that led to Ms. Hepburn's career as a beloved Hollywood movie star, and to her nomination as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. The illustrations in the biography capture both the spirit and the beauty of Ms. Hepburn. For young girls who have seen "My Fair Lady," the pictures are themselves worth the price of the book. The text, however, is unfortunately flat and does not echo the drama, excitement, or inspiration of Ms. Hepburn's life. Her family's experiences in World War II, their poverty, her big Hollywood break, and her desire to help the children of the world are all powerful stories, but this biography presents everything in a straightforward, journalistic format that doesn't do justice to the material. Nevertheless, little girls who admire the actress who landed the role of "Eliza Doolittle" (without being able to sing the main part, no less) will undoubtedly enjoy the illustrations and, perhaps, be encouraged to find out more about this remarkable actress and UNICEF spokeswoman. Reviewer: Leona Illig

Use in Library Setting

I was saddened to find out that my city's public library didn't own this book, I think they should get it, it is such a great book to have for our generations to come to know one of the greatest actresses Hollywood had.  It can be a great addition to school libraries too, for biography projects.


Review. (n. d.). Just Being Audrey. [Review of the book Just Being Audrey].
Barnes & Noble. 
Available from


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-being-audrey-margaret-cardillo/1100718440?ean=9780061852831


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http://bookbuyitscover.tumblr.com/