Overview

Marcel Marceau was the most famous mime of the twentieth century. But before that, he was a young Jewish Frenchman growing up in the shadow of World War II. Born in Strasbourg as Marcel Mangel, he fled to Paris before the Nazi invaders and joined his brother in the Resistance. The thrilling true story of Marcel's courageous youth and how his work against the enemy not just saved lives but led to his debut as a mime artist. Perfect for: - Readers aged 6 and up who are fascinated by real stories of courage - Lovers of amazing true stories such as The Little Refugee and The Happiest Boy on Earth - Families who want to introduce their children to a significant artist who has a unique place in history - Classroom use in primary school settings when discussing the Holocaust, especially the French Resistance - Gift giving to the art lover or collector of picture books Praise for The Not So Quiet Life of Marcel Marceau - 'A treasure for children ... equal parts heartbreaking and revealing.' Foreword - 'An engrossing window into a lesser-known side of a gifted performer - and wartime hero.' Kirkus Reviews - 'Told with lyrical restraint and emotional precision ... Zagarenski's mixed-media illustrations heighten the interplay of quiet and urgency.' School Library Journal - 'Pamela Zagarenski, a two-time Caldecott honoree, cuts a trail through the complex territory of Marceau's boyhood that is both elegant and emotionally precise.' New York Times

Full Product Details

9781761182945

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Gorgeous, dreamy, surrealistic illustrations are used to illuminate the early life of the famed French Jewish mime Marcel Marceau in this biographical picture book-a story of ""brushstrokes and bombs"" that is a treasure for children... equal parts heartbreaking and revealing.' Foreword

'Bailey and Bushue's succinct, well-crafted text presents just enough context without overwhelming the intended audience, while Zagarenski's spellbinding art offers layered scenes to linger over ... Through her palette, Zagarenski balances scenes of warmth and courage with moments of darkness ... An engrossing window into a lesser-known side of a gifted performer-and wartime hero.' Kirkus Reviews 'Gorgeous, dreamy, surrealistic illustrations are used to illuminate the early life of the famed French Jewish mime Marcel Marceau in this biographical picture book-a story of ""brushstrokes and bombs"" that is a treasure for children... equal parts heartbreaking and revealing.' Foreword 'Told with lyrical restraint and emotional precision, this biography traces Marcel Marceau's (1923-2007) evolution from imaginative child to mime whose art became an instrument of resistance during World War II ... Zagarenski's mixed-media illustrations heighten the interplay of quiet and urgency. Soft color palettes and generous white space evoke fragility and endurance. VERDICT A visually sophisticated and thematically resonant portrait that situates artistic mastery as both refuge and ­principled resistance.' School LIbrary Journal

'Bailey and Bushue's succinct, well-crafted text presents just enough context without overwhelming the intended audience, while Zagarenski's spellbinding art offers layered scenes to linger over ... Through her palette, Zagarenski balances scenes of warmth and courage with moments of darkness ... An engrossing window into a lesser-known side of a gifted performer-and wartime hero.' Kirkus Reviews 'Gorgeous, dreamy, surrealistic illustrations are used to illuminate the early life of the famed French Jewish mime Marcel Marceau in this biographical picture book-a story of ""brushstrokes and bombs"" that is a treasure for children... equal parts heartbreaking and revealing.' Foreword'Told with lyrical restraint and emotional precision, this biography traces Marcel Marceau's (1923-2007) evolution from imaginative child to mime whose art became an instrument of resistance during World War II ... Zagarenski's mixed-media illustrations heighten the interplay of quiet and urgency. Soft color palettes and generous white space evoke fragility and endurance. VERDICT A visually sophisticated and thematically resonant portrait that situates artistic mastery as both refuge and ­principled resistance.' School LIbrary Journal

'Bailey and Bushue's succinct, well-crafted text presents just enough context without overwhelming the intended audience, while Zagarenski's spellbinding art offers layered scenes to linger over ... Through her palette, Zagarenski balances scenes of warmth and courage with moments of darkness ... An engrossing window into a lesser-known side of a gifted performer-and wartime hero.' Kirkus Reviews 'Gorgeous, dreamy, surrealistic illustrations are used to illuminate the early life of the famed French Jewish mime Marcel Marceau in this biographical picture book-a story of ""brushstrokes and bombs"" that is a treasure for children... equal parts heartbreaking and revealing.' Foreword

Author Information

JENN BAILEY is the author of the beloved series that began with A Friend for Henry. Her work has received the American Library Association's Schneider Family Award in 2024, and the Theodore Geisel Honor Award in 2024. She is also an editor, a documentarian, a blue-ribbon pie baker, and an eager traveller. She lives in Kansas with her husband, Kevin. Visit her online at jennbailey.com SHERRY BUSHUE is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of Kuzidi, a nonprofit charity serving children who suffer trauma. Once a medical social worker, she continues her lifelong advocacy to empower children and to share untold stories. Sherry lives in Kansas, captivated by Midwest thunderstorms. Visit Kuzidi.org PAMELA ZAGARENSKI is the winner of two Caldecott Honors, for Red Sings from Treetops and Sleep Like a Tiger. As well as illustrating picture books, she is the creator of Sacredbee, a gift card line. She lives in Stonington, Connecticut. Visit her online at pzagarenski.com and on Instagram at @sacredbee

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