Close Modal

Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing

Author Kay Haring
Illustrated by Robert Neubecker
Look inside
Hardcover
$18.99 US
9.38"W x 11.25"H x 0.36"D   | 16 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Feb 14, 2017 | 40 Pages | 978-0-525-42819-0
Age 5-8 years | Grades K-3
Reading Level: Lexile AD650L
Iconic pop artist Keith Haring comes to life for young readers in this picture book biography lovingly written by his sister

This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist’s great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith's signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker. This is a story to inspire, and a book for Keith Haring fans of all ages to treasure.
* "This laudatory biography, written by Haring’ssister, is guided by his unapologetic rejection of artistic pretension and illustratedin—what else?—a friendly and accessible cartoony style that fluidly integratesHaring’s own work on subway cars and buildings, as well as in galleries." — Horn Book, starred review

"Neubecker’s colorful illustrations capture the energy with which Keith [Haring] lived his life, and cleverly integrate some of the artist’s original works... Always upbeat, this story is a celebration of art and life." — Booklist

"Neubecker neatly incorporates Haring's real pieces into these zesty, bustling, digital-and-pencil illustrations.... Haring's work pops; Neubecker's compositions and enthusiastic crowd scenes do it wonderful credit." — Kirkus

"An enlightening look at the merits of street art and how it allows those who may not ordinarily venture into a museum or gallery to experience and enjoy art....Children will relate to young Haring’s drive to pursue his calling despite naysayers." —School Library Journal

"Cheerily energetic....Schools with “Picture Person” programs, as well as primary grades art teachers, will want to share this appealing title." —BCCB

"Exuberant...Neubecker (I Won a What?) combines images of Haring’s work (all identified in a closing spread) with his own punchy cartooning, which dovetails perfectly with the effervescent energy that characterized Haring’s imagery." —Publishers Weekly
© hawkinsbiggins.com
Kay Haring is the younger sister of Keith Haring. She is a wife, mother, writer, hiker, lover of art and the wonders of nature. Kay has spent many years both working and volunteering for nonprofits, in management and fundraising capacities.  She has held board positions for a wide variety of nonprofits, many related to the arts.  She is interested in sharing nonfiction stories with children that are inspirational and thought provoking.Kay spends time in southern California, Hawaii and Utah but her heart resides in Pennsylvania. View titles by Kay Haring
Robert Neubecker is an illustrator whose work has been published by Slate.com, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He is the award-winning author-illustrator of Wow! City! and Wow! Ocean!. He lives in thelittle town of Park City, Utah, with his family. View titles by Robert Neubecker

About

Iconic pop artist Keith Haring comes to life for young readers in this picture book biography lovingly written by his sister

This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist’s great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith's signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker. This is a story to inspire, and a book for Keith Haring fans of all ages to treasure.

Praise

* "This laudatory biography, written by Haring’ssister, is guided by his unapologetic rejection of artistic pretension and illustratedin—what else?—a friendly and accessible cartoony style that fluidly integratesHaring’s own work on subway cars and buildings, as well as in galleries." — Horn Book, starred review

"Neubecker’s colorful illustrations capture the energy with which Keith [Haring] lived his life, and cleverly integrate some of the artist’s original works... Always upbeat, this story is a celebration of art and life." — Booklist

"Neubecker neatly incorporates Haring's real pieces into these zesty, bustling, digital-and-pencil illustrations.... Haring's work pops; Neubecker's compositions and enthusiastic crowd scenes do it wonderful credit." — Kirkus

"An enlightening look at the merits of street art and how it allows those who may not ordinarily venture into a museum or gallery to experience and enjoy art....Children will relate to young Haring’s drive to pursue his calling despite naysayers." —School Library Journal

"Cheerily energetic....Schools with “Picture Person” programs, as well as primary grades art teachers, will want to share this appealing title." —BCCB

"Exuberant...Neubecker (I Won a What?) combines images of Haring’s work (all identified in a closing spread) with his own punchy cartooning, which dovetails perfectly with the effervescent energy that characterized Haring’s imagery." —Publishers Weekly

Author

© hawkinsbiggins.com
Kay Haring is the younger sister of Keith Haring. She is a wife, mother, writer, hiker, lover of art and the wonders of nature. Kay has spent many years both working and volunteering for nonprofits, in management and fundraising capacities.  She has held board positions for a wide variety of nonprofits, many related to the arts.  She is interested in sharing nonfiction stories with children that are inspirational and thought provoking.Kay spends time in southern California, Hawaii and Utah but her heart resides in Pennsylvania. View titles by Kay Haring
Robert Neubecker is an illustrator whose work has been published by Slate.com, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He is the award-winning author-illustrator of Wow! City! and Wow! Ocean!. He lives in thelittle town of Park City, Utah, with his family. View titles by Robert Neubecker

Beautiful Noise

Open this unique picture book and meet John Cage, the pioneering, inspiring composer who believed all sound—from the crash of a slamming door to the whirr of a blender to the whoosh of the wind—was music. For John Cage, music was everywhere: in the hum of the refrigerator, the screech of a garbage truck, the patter of the rain. But other people disagreed. They

Read more