A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day

Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day helped open the door to children's books being published with diverse main characters. While the lack of such diversity remains a problem, the numbers of such books being published continues to grow. In beautiful poetic language, Andrea Davis Pinkney introduces the reader to the man behind the book. I didn't even know that Keats had changed his name until reading this book. I loved getting a glimpse into the man who dared to take a chance, who saw a picture of a cute African-American boy and hung on to it because it touched him. And then 20-years down the road using that photograph as inspiration when creating his first children's picture book. It was sweet reading about the encouragement Ezra (Jack) received from his teachers and his concerned father regarding his passion for art. Despite serious reservations about his son being able to support himself with art, he couldn't deny his son the chance to do what he loved. And Keats continued to pursue that passion despite the discrimination (he was a Jew) and life challenges that came his way. The gorgeous illustrations beautifully complement the lyrical verse that both addresses Keats life and references Peter (The Snowy Day's main character). The wonderful combination of text and illustrations makes for a book that is a work of art unto itself.

Such a beautifully written book! Too old for my grandson (age 3) but we are saving it for him.

The book was well written and beautifully illustrated. Quite timely in these far too intolerant days.

Beautiful homage to Ezra Jack Keats by the inimitable Andrea Davis Pinkney. This is an award-worthy picture book biography, with luscious art by Lou Fancher & Steve Johnson. A perfect companion to the ground-breaking THE SNOWY DAY.

A warm and wonderful tribute to Ezra Jack Keats, an author/illustrator who was well ahead of his time in his stories of inner city neighborhoods. The illustrations in this volume are very reminiscent of Keat's own illustrations.Beautiful.

A Poem for Peter is an enjoyable story. I listened to the audiobook twice looking for a great moment. However, nothing jumped out like a memorable moment that I can hold in my heart. It's a short audiobook of 36 minutes, and I appreciated hearing of Keats youth, father’s support, and how Keats got started writing and illustrating. But I wanted more. Perhaps if you have the picture book format, more of the book will come alive in your child's mind?

What a wonderful book! Here, the reader who loves Ezra Jack Keats is afforded the opportunity to find out how he emerged into one of my favorite author and illustrator. The illustrations along with the text make it readable by even young children. It is a "must" for every children's public and elementary school library!

This is the most wonderful story. I love that it’s told in a poem.

Great book