Hi, I’m Norman: The Story of American Illustrator Norman Rockwell

The use of first and second person narrative helps keep a conversational, easy-to-read tone in this biographical picture book about famed illustrator and artist Norman Rockwell. Readers will finish feeling like Rockwell is a personal friend, and they will have learned a fair number of facts about his inspiring life without really realizing it—like Rockwell’s note, “100%,” painted in gold at the top of his easel, reminding him of his determination to make every new painting perfect, and Rockwell’s courageous path to becoming a regular contributor to the Saturday Evening Post. Many who have pursued a passion or dream will relate to his thoughtful introspection: “I sometimes felt I was chasing and at the same time being chased. Chasing my dream of becoming a great artist. But also being chased by the fear that I wasn’t good enough.” Like Rockwell’s own decision to “paint only the ideal aspects” of life despite his knowledge that “the world wasn’t always a pleasant place,” the biography brushes over some presumably tough moments of Rockwell’s life that would be interesting to know more about, like his decision to drop out of high school and how he handled going through a divorce with his first wife. Minor smartly chooses to use his own illustration style in recreating pieces by Rockwell, rather than imitate Rockwell’s own style, which gives the book an original take, rather than feeling like Rockwell’s own portfolio. Readers who want to learn more about Rockwell can spend some extra time in the thorough endnotes of the book and also find recommendations for additional reading.