Chuck Close

This fascinating, interactive autobiography presents Chuck Close's story, his art, and a discussion of the many processes he uses in the studio. The question-and-answer format is based on real kids' inquiries about Close's life and work, and his answers to them. Close, who is wheelchair-bound and paints with a brush strapped to his arm, discusses the severe dyslexia and face blindness he has struggled with since childhood, as well as a collapsed spinal artery that left him nearly paralyzed at the age of 48.
An engaging feature of the book is a mix-and-match Chuck Close self-portrait section. This hands-on component encourages the reader to create new and interesting combinations of Close's techniques and images. The book also includes an illustrated chronology of Close's life, a list of museums where his work can be seen, and an index.
STARRED REVIEWS"Art lovers of all ages will revel in this vivid, wonderfully affecting book, which is almost as ingenious and memorable as Close himself." -"Kirkus Reviews," starred review

Amanda Freymann is the principal and Joan Sommers is a designer at the Glue and Paper Workshop. Freymann and Sommers have collaborated on numerous visual books for children. Ascha Drake is a teaching artist, she works with the Guggenheim Museum, NYC, along with other organisations.