This beautifully illustrated book written by Jen Bryant tells the true story of William Carlos Williams who resided in Rutherford, NJ. Since I am from New Jersey, I was excited to read this 2009 Caldecott Honor Award winning children's book. Willie Williams, as he was called, loved to write poetry but could not find the time even as a young boy. I'm sure we can all relate to the experience of not having enough time in our day to accomplish things that we enjoy.
As a young boy he had to work to help support his family and was turned onto the idea of becoming a doctor as his uncle once was. He did eventually become a doctor who made house calls and delivered many, many babies. He still found time to write his poetry whether it was on his prescription pad or late at night after a long day of work. He never rid his passion.
The illustrations not only went along with the text but included his actual letterhead, sketches, and other literary references. I enjoyed the incorporation of these into the story; I felt the history and intensity of his passion to write poetry. The illustrator, Melissa Sweet, actually visited his childhood home in New Jersey and the public library in Rutherford where she saw photographs, letters, and even his typewriter, desk, and straw hat.
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