Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl

by Deborah Hopkinson, Qin Leng (Illustrator)

Overview

A gorgeous and inspiring picture book biography of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved writers of all time, from award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of our greatest writers.

But before that, she was just an ordinary girl.

In fact, young Jane was a bit quiet and shy; if you had met her back then, you might not have noticed her at all. But she would have noticed you.

Jane watched and listened to all the things people around her did and said, and locked those observations away for safekeeping.

Jane also loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library and before long, she began creating her own stories. In her time, the most popular books were grand adventures and romances, but Jane wanted to go her own way...and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.

Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen includes a timeline and quotes from Austen's most popular novels.

Parents and grandparents, as well as teachers and librarians, will enjoy introducing children to Jane Austen through this accessible, beautifully packaged picture book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062373304
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/23/2018
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	337,173
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 11.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Deborah Hopkinson is the author of Small Places, Close to Home and Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen, among more than fifty acclaimed works for young readers including picture books, middle-grade fiction, and nonfiction that help bring history and research alive. Deborah lives near Portland, Oregon with her family and a menagerie of pets. You can visit her online at www.deborahhopkinson.com.

Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and later moved to France, then to Montreal in Canada. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and works as a designer and illustrator. She grew up surrounded by paintings, and her father, an artist himself, was a great influence on her. Qin graduated from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and has received many awards for her animated short films. Her picture books have been nominated for such prizes as the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award, and she won the APAAL for Best Picture Book. You can visit her at www.qinleng.tumblr.com.

Editorial Reviews

12/18/2017
Writing in a warm-humored, matter-of-fact tone, Hopkinson traces Jane Austen’s path from a curious and shy childhood into a quiet adulthood as a practiced and determined author. Hopkinson clearly emphasizes how Austen’s work was, in many respects, revolutionary, despite the “simple life” she led: “Jane went her own way, inventing a new kind of story about real people, and sisters (like Cassandra and herself), who longed to follow their dreams.” Leng’s watercolors combine light, blushing shades of color with delicate ink outlines, bringing a fitting lightness to the story of a writer who wanted readers to “recognize (and laugh at) themselves” in her books. It’s a charming account of pride and persistence that concludes by wondering “if Jane would be surprised to learn that her books are still read and loved by people all over the world? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.” Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agency: Shannon Associates. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

A charming account of pride and persistence.” — Publishers Weekly

“This is an up-close introduction to Austen…[and] a story of a girl’s empowerment.” — Booklist

“Hopkinson’s light, conversational tone and obvious appreciation for her subject combine with Qin’s lively ink-and-watercolor illustrations to create an engaging portrait of this talented writer. A perfectly pitched celebration of an esteemed author.” — Kirkus Reviews

A lively take on a woman who, despite publishing conventions that favored male writers, refused to let her authorial voice remain mute. This manages to successfully introduce Austen’s characteristic wit and social commentary to an audience who would otherwise be too young to digest the original works. A delightful read. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From the Publisher

This is an up-close introduction to Austen…[and] a story of a girl’s empowerment.

Booklist

A lively take on a woman who, despite publishing conventions that favored male writers, refused to let her authorial voice remain mute. This manages to successfully introduce Austen’s characteristic wit and social commentary to an audience who would otherwise be too young to digest the original works. A delightful read.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

This is an up-close introduction to Austen…[and] a story of a girl’s empowerment.

Booklist

A lively take on a woman who, despite publishing conventions that favored male writers, refused to let her authorial voice remain mute. This manages to successfully introduce Austen’s characteristic wit and social commentary to an audience who would otherwise be too young to digest the original works. A delightful read.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

02/01/2018
K-Gr 2—Born at the turn of the 19th century, Jane Austen is now considered one of the world's greatest writers, but she grew up simply. In a house filled with boys and books, she was encouraged in her writing by her father who ran a boarding school. Hopkinson begins her appealing introduction to this beloved writer using a familiar Austen phrase "It is a truth universally acknowledged…" Most of Hopkinson's short, straightforward text focuses on the writer's childhood: her shy habit of observation; family life with her sister and many brothers; her enjoyment of family theatrical productions, reading, and writing; and her father's support. The final pages introduce her adult work, her new way of storytelling: "to hold up a mirror to the ordinary world so readers could recognize (and laugh at) themselves." Hopkinson makes clear the different expectations for men and women at the time, and points out that the four novels published in Austen's lifetime were credited to an unnamed "lady." Gentle ink and watercolor illustrations perfectly reflect the tone and understated humor of Austen's writing. Ranging from vignettes to spreads, Leng's art will help readers picture the time and place while focusing on domestic interiors, happy family occasions, and Austen at work. The back matter includes a time line and description of six novels. VERDICT Gentle, charming, and informative, this welcome addition to any library should plant a seed for later enjoyment of Austen's work.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

School Library Journal

2017-10-10
A simple introduction to Jane Austen's life and work.Hopkinson's light, conversational tone and obvious appreciation for her subject combine with Qin's lively ink-and-watercolor illustrations to create an engaging portrait of this talented writer. The relatively brisk recital of the events of Jane Austen's life is leavened by insights into her personality and childhood experiences. Realistic vignettes, single-page illustrations, and double-page spreads of Jane and her family accompany and expand the text; generous use of white space and delicate linework give the pictures an airy feel. Unlike Lisa Pliscou and Jen Corace's practically simultaneously publishing biography (Brave Jane Austen, 2018), potentially distressing details are glossed over, and the narrative focuses on Austen's early years. No mention is made of Jane's serious illness as a child or of the Austen family's financial difficulties. Rather, the focus is on Jane's appreciation for her father's extensive library, her pleasure in writing amusing stories for her family to enjoy, and the fun of family theatricals and games. This approach brings Jane endearingly to life for an audience that has likely never heard of her and provides context for the description of her later experiences and lauded writing style. Several pages of backmatter, including a timeline, summaries of Austen's major works, and additional resources, may be beyond the interest and abilities of most young listeners but share the accessible tone of the text. A perfectly pitched celebration of an esteemed author that may nevertheless struggle somewhat to find an audience. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews