Module 12: Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo

Citation:

Cardillo, M. (2011). Just being Audrey. New York: Balzer + Bay.

Summary:

This book is the picture book version of Audrey Hepburn. Starting from when she was a child and always looked different and going into her career as an actress and Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey always wanted to be a ballerina, but she never had the right "look". She just kept working hard and "being Audrey," eventually Audrey realized she wasn't going to be a ballerina so she started acting. Acting took her to New York Where she was discovered and became famous. Once Audrey had children they were her focus. Audrey is painted on every page, including many of her classic looks. There is a full bibliography and an official timeline on the last page.

My thoughts:

This is a great book for parents to introduce Audrey Hepburn to their children, and a good example of a children's biography that is too formatted. the author paints Audrey's personality as it was. A fun book to introduce biographies to younger people, though they might not be as invested in Audrey as a person.

Professional review:

"Highlighting the difference between being self-assured and having a sense of entitlement, this portrait of a would-be dancer turned worldrenowned movie star gives as much weight to Hepburn's work with UNICEF and children worldwide as it does to her youth and career. Denos captures her look and popular appeal wonderfully in impressionistic 1960s-style paintings that look like fashion spreads."

Peters, J. (2012). Biographies for young readers. Teacher Librarian, 39(5), 32. Retrieved from https://libproxy.library.unt.edu/login?url=https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2165/docview/1024433455?accountid=7113  

Library use: 

For displays of biographies, Halloween costume ideas, or Hollywood, This book would be perfect. It would also be a great tie in to a Audrey Movie or Breakfast at Tiffany's program where you can dress like audrey, drink coffee and make jewelry.