“Lucky, lucky reader, be glad it’s not 1726. In those days of powdered wigs and petticoats, England was brimming with books. Books of pirates and monsters and miniature people. Tales of travels and quests and shipwrecks and crimes. At the fairs, in the market stalls, in the bookshop windows were hundreds of wonderful books. But not for children.” – Balderdash! John Newberry and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books
Balderdash! by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, is a delight-filled picture book biography that brings to life the story of John Newbery, the father of children’s literature. The book opens with a lively first page rich with engaging illustrations and playful text that immediately captivates young readers, setting the tone for the whimsical story to follow.
The narrative begins by telling readers of 1726 England, a time when books were plentiful but not made for children. “Lucky, lucky reader, be glad it’s not 1726,” the story teases, setting the stage for John Newbery’s revolutionary vision of creating books specifically for children.
As the story progresses, we learn how Newbery, driven by his love for children, began publishing books that were silly, adventurous, and heroic—stories that children could savor. And because he understood children well, he even included toys with his books, creating an irresistible package. The public quickly embraced his books, and they became beloved treasures, read and reread until they were worn out and needed replacing. Newberry proved that publishing children’s books was profitable and even a moral good, which helped to cement his legacy as the pioneer of children’s literature.
The illustrations are cartoonish but not unattractive. They are alive with energy and movement, complementing the lighthearted and joyful tone of the story. While simple, they exude fun and in their simplicity, they might encourage children to feel they could draw something similar themselves.
Markel’s text is lyrical and engaging, filled with fun, making the book not only informative but a delightful read. This whimsical tribute to Newbery’s contributions to children’s literature is a perfect introduction to the history of books for younger readers. And, books about books are usually just good fun!