Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.
Mudpuppy
Posted September 17, 2010
Dave the Potter is based on the life of enslaved African-American potter, Dave Drake. Dave was born into slavery in the Edgefield District of South Carolina in 1800. Few other potters could master the huge sized pots that Dave made. Aside from his mastery in potting, Dave wrote cryptic poems in the wet clay on the sides of many of his pots. This was during the time when it was against the law for a slave to read or write, punishable by death. Dave not only penned the poems, but also signed and dated many of his pots. Dave was freed after the Civil War and continued to pot until he died around 1875 or so.
The book is wonderfully illustrated with the various stages of clay preparation and pottery making. Dave is portrayed as a kind-looking, intent craftsman working in a period shop. The artist created levels of visual interest by incorporating the effect of collage into the illustrations. Dark, rich colors and beautifully portrayed southern pottery surround Dave on shelves and about the floor of his shop.
I had a problem with a few of the lines that the writer chose and felt they would go over the heads of the recommended reader's age of 4-6 years (i.e., "if he climbed into the jar and curled into a ball, he would have been embraced"). I think children would enjoy the story, but felt it could have been presented in a more creative way, perhaps with more literary devices. All in all, I think it is a worthy book. It most importantly gives a non-stereotypical view of craftsman in the early years of America and honors this amazing artist.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.*Beautiful color illustrations, vivid and detailed, eye-cathing for readers of all ages. *Using your mind to image what things could be made of dirt, dust, and clay by the potter beyond the ordinary is one aspect of this book. **Wonderful for read-aloud storytime.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lauren_21
Posted May 19, 2011
Great for all those anxious young read. This book uses a lot of adjectives, but they aren't overused. This book has wonderful illustrations that match well with the author's words. This book takes place in the 1800's in suburbs of the state North Carolina. This book can be used as a wordless text even and have the students who are learning to read could tell you the story through the illustrations. This is a great book to use in classrooms or to just have in your own library. Great story to read again and again.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 15, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted February 13, 2011
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Overview
the ground we walk on...
But to Dave it was clay,
the plain and basic stuff upon which he formed a life as a slave nearly 200 years ago.
Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a ...