Quotes
“Fleischman,
who died in March at age ninety, left readers with this delightful and
informative homage to one of his idols, the silent screen star…‘[whose]s
footprints were everywhere.’ Those footprints turned ‘outward so that each
angled off like opposite hands of a clock, at ten past ten,’ the duck-footed
waddle of the Little Tramp, Chaplin’s most famous character.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This
lively and engaging account of a poor Cockney boy who became the world's
greatest silent-movie comedian is a must for biography collections…Brief,
easily digestible chapters…make the book’s well-researched content accessible
and appealing. Add to that Fleischman’s playful narrative tone and you have a
book as entertaining as Sir Charlie himself.” School Library Journal (starred review)
“With a
straightforward chronology, the chapters follow the famous comedian from his
impoverished childhood in London slums through Hollywood stardom and his final
years, when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. As in his previous books
about famous lives, Fleischman infuses the narrative with energetic charm, and
although the book is thoroughly documented with exemplary source notes, playful
metaphors lend an almost tall-tale tone that echoes the humor of Chaplin’s work…The
author also deftly integrates details of early moviemaking into the colorful
accounts of Chaplin’s tumultuous personal and professional lives, and he writes
with unabashed enthusiasm for Chaplin’s work…Young people with a noncurricular
interest in Chaplin may be few, but once led to this fascinating, well-shaped,
and entertaining title, they may well discover a curiosity about and
appreciation for the films that made the great comedian famous…[A] standout
portrait.” Booklist (starred review)
“Fleischman's
unabashed adoration for the duck-footed comedian, filmmaker and movie star
effervesces from this fascinating…biography. How a nearly illiterate Cockney
boy born to London vaudevillians in 1889 became a Hollywood movie mogul is
truly one for the storybooks. The author is almost giddy in the telling, as if
Chaplin’s flair for hyperbole and comic timing were contagious…Movie-history
buffs will learn about the effect of ‘talkies’ on the silent-film industry—and
on the pantomime master’s ego…[A] colorful homage to ‘the funniest man on
earth.’” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Will
appeal to fans of movie history and surely inspire readers to seek out
Chaplin’s films.” VOYA (starred review)
“Drawing
the reader in, this author of four true tales of famous entertainers, once
again captures interest with tales of exploits, hardship, and success. Written
in child-friendly language, one still learns about Chaplin’s numerous wives,
the claims of anti-Americanism against Chaplin, and more. Mixed in with this
biographical sketch are pieces of cinematic history…This is a valuable addition
to biographical and entertainment collections, providing not only a biography
of a famous actor and director but also a history of cinema at a time when the
talking pictures were coming into favor.” Children’s Literature
“A solid
success.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Fred
Sullivan instantly creates an emotionally engaging connection with the listener
in this eye-opening and affectionate biography of Charlie Chaplin for children.
Sullivan’s soft-spoken voice reveals the bittersweet sources of inspiration for
Chaplin’s famous moves, such as the stumbling modeled by his drunkard father.
Well-placed pauses emphasize the moments of heartache, tenderness, and joy as
Chaplin is repeatedly separated from and reunited with his brother and beloved
mother. Sullivan’s deft timing is best seen in his narration of Chaplin’s
intricately choreographed and often slapstick sequences, which make Chaplin’s
every flick of the wrist and facial expression easy to visualize. Winner of
AudioFile Earphones Award.” AudioFile
