Award-winning author Beth Kephart and illustrator Melodie Stacey’s poetic picture book, Beautiful Useful Things, is about the life and work of William Morris, maker of beautiful, useful things, sure to engage young dreamers and artists alike.
William Morris is best known for his colorful wallpapers and textiles, inspired by the English forests and wild foliage where he grew up. But did you know this icon of the Arts and Crafts Movement was also a poet, a painter, a preservationist, an activist, an environmentalist, and a maker of many other beautiful, useful things, like books?
“Created with sweeping lines, repeated shapes, and deep, soft colors, Stacey’s graceful illustrations reflect elements of Morris’ artistic work as well as his affinity for nature. A lovely book introducing a notable Englishman whose life and work are unfamiliar to most American children.” —Booklist
“A harmonious picture book whose poetic text and delicate illustrations befit its subject.” —Kirkus Reviews
Praise
"A harmonious picture book whose poetic text and delicate illustrations befit its subject."Kirkus Reviews
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"Created with sweeping lines, repeated shapes, and deep, soft colors, Stacey’s graceful illustrations reflect elements of Morris’ artistic work as well as his affinity for nature. A lovely book introducing a notable Englishman whose life and work are unfamiliar to most American children."Booklist
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"Replete with lovely artwork by Melodie Stacey, "Beautiful Useful Things: What William Morris Made" by Beth Kephart's beautifully scripted prose is a delightfully informative and entertaining picture book biography."Midwest Book Review
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"A volume about considering beauty that is itself beautiful, and restful, too."Publishers Weekly
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