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Bill Peet: An Autobiography
by
Bill Peet
Bill Peet tells his life story, including his years with Disney, with illustrations on every page.
Paperback
,
192 pages
Published
March 28th 1994
by HMH Books for Young Readers
(first published January 1st 1989)
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Community Reviews
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Fun autobiography written and illustrated by a children's book author/illustrator. While the story of Bill Peet's life is interesting - I had no idea he'd worked for Disney for 27 years! - the illustrations are the reason to read this book. Bill Peet's first love was obviously drawing. The text, while simple and sometimes amusing, just doesn't hold a candle to the fantastic and fantastical illustrations.
I appreciate Mr. Peet's humility. He is the man behind the "boy meets girl" sequence in Sleep ...more
I appreciate Mr. Peet's humility. He is the man behind the "boy meets girl" sequence in Sleep ...more
This was another fun, quick read. There is a little more text than most of his books, but the whole thing is illustrated, so if you like Bill Peet's work you'll like this.
Rather than an exhaustive auto-biography, this is more of a quick skim over his life, with a focus on the time he worked for Disney, starting as an in-betweener and working his way up to writing full screenplays and doing all the storyboarding for 101 Dalmatians and Sword in the Stone.
I do think it odd that he ended the book ...more
Rather than an exhaustive auto-biography, this is more of a quick skim over his life, with a focus on the time he worked for Disney, starting as an in-betweener and working his way up to writing full screenplays and doing all the storyboarding for 101 Dalmatians and Sword in the Stone.
I do think it odd that he ended the book ...more
A fun book I could not put down. The life of the artist who made so many cartoons I loved when I was a kid was wonderful to learn. The book is filled with so many of his drawings that it takes a while to read, which is fine by me. Like his cartoons, nothing of his is not good.
How many biographies are illustrated by the author and renowned artist himself? I saw an exhibit of many of his illustrations at the Art Institute of Chicago and decided to read this book because I liked the exhibit and his stories so well.
This is a fun look at a boy from Indiana who loved animals and drawing, but didn't fathom a career in the art world. It chronicles how he went on to work for Walt Disney in California and write and illustrate several books. I particularly liked his candid acc ...more
This is a fun look at a boy from Indiana who loved animals and drawing, but didn't fathom a career in the art world. It chronicles how he went on to work for Walt Disney in California and write and illustrate several books. I particularly liked his candid acc ...more
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The man who spent his life telling stories through pictures had to have an autobiography filled with illustrations. Indeed Bill Peet admits "With no intention of becoming a writer, I had never learned to type." Mr. Peet gave us a detailed fascinating account of his life with far fewer words than most biographies.
I enjoyed the description of the Disney studio operations and Walt Disney himself. I am old enough to remember Walt's weekly visits with us via television, and I remember my feelings whe ...more
I enjoyed the description of the Disney studio operations and Walt Disney himself. I am old enough to remember Walt's weekly visits with us via television, and I remember my feelings whe ...more
Bill Peet is a beloved writer and illustrator of dozens of children's books. But before he was a celebrated artist and wordsmith he was a skinny kid from the midwest who barely made it through school. This autobiography is a charming and honest look at one young man who made it happen, coming from Nowheresville all the way to the Walt Disney Studios in California, and beyond.
Once when I was a teenager I discovered a book about Bill Peet that I remember thinking was interesting and funny, and I'm ...more
Once when I was a teenager I discovered a book about Bill Peet that I remember thinking was interesting and funny, and I'm ...more
I had known of Bill Peet's children's books, but I hadn't realized that he had worked for Disney, and how many feature films he had worked on as well. A good, concise autobiography of a man who worked on some of the most familiar movies for kids (Pinocchio, Dumbo, Cinderella, etc.). Also, his style is very engaging - while he doesn't go into great detail, his sparse prose draws you in, and the understatement still shows his emotion.
As an illustrator, I especially appreciated the book. The jobs h ...more
As an illustrator, I especially appreciated the book. The jobs h ...more
His remarks about the absence of creativity in a corporate environment like Disney are enlightening. Perhaps I too should throw up my hands and yell "No more ducks!"
A delightful, quick read with a smooth flow and a wealth of fun illustrations. The ending was kind of abrupt and I wish it had gone on longer because it was so fun to read! It was interesting for the art, the story of his life and the behind-the-scenes take on the early Disney years. The other thing I take away from this book (though it was not an intention on his part) is that it's so important for kids to have creative outlets and spend time outdoors, exploring the world. I say this as I sit i
...more
Pretty amazing illustrated autobiography. And most likely the Caldecott Honor Award winner with the most words. I'm really not all that familiar with Bill Peet. I know him only because
The Caboose Who Got Loose
was my son's first favorite book. And yet this book was absolutely filled with recognizable and awesome pencil sketches. From his childhood, to his time as a young artist, to Disney to his books - the whole book was just eye catching. And the text was strong as well - well written and bre
...more
I love Bill Peet. This autobiography describes his life till when he became an author and Walt Disney died. The art in the book is just as good as I expected it to be. I would have liked the inside to have periodic or almost all colored pictures. My only critique is that I would like more of it to be about his life and a little less at Disney. That said, he doesn't flower over Disney's personality and it is interesting to read. Side note: Peter Pan, The Sword in the Stone, and Lambert the Sheepi
...more
Bill Peet writes and illustrates his life story from boyhood frolics in the woods around suburban Indianapolis to struggles in school and his roundabout route to becoming an artist for Disney and from there eventually illustrating his own books.
Bill Peet is probably most famous now for all of his children's books, but that was not his first goal as an artist. He originally wanted to be a famous painter. He got his job at Disney before Snow White was released, so many thought he was taking a gamb ...more
Bill Peet is probably most famous now for all of his children's books, but that was not his first goal as an artist. He originally wanted to be a famous painter. He got his job at Disney before Snow White was released, so many thought he was taking a gamb ...more
The book is 190 pages–longer than a traditional picture book; however, it won an award as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1990 because the book is fully illustrated–there is at least one illustration on each page, along with engaging text.
Bill Peet worked for Walt Disney on many movies, shorts, TV shows, books–even Peter Pan peanut butter. He wrote the original (1961) 101 Dalmatians, working from Dodie Smith’s book. Disney asked Peet to “plan the whole thing: write a detailed screenplay, do all the st ...more
Bill Peet worked for Walt Disney on many movies, shorts, TV shows, books–even Peter Pan peanut butter. He wrote the original (1961) 101 Dalmatians, working from Dodie Smith’s book. Disney asked Peet to “plan the whole thing: write a detailed screenplay, do all the st ...more
Mar 27, 2015
Shaun
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
those who are children at heart!
Recommended to Shaun by:
Caldecott Awards Committee
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
While not aimed at someone my age...
I nevertheless found Bill Peet: An Autobiography quite fascinating and engrossing.
Bill Peet (1915-2002) is a self-professed reluctant student, especially of English classes, but he is nonetheless quite the good writer. Peet's illustrations add a lot to the pace and feel of the book and are a joy in their own right. His stories of life in Indianapolis before World War II will be interesting to any native Hoosier (as am I).
However, the most interesting part ...more
I nevertheless found Bill Peet: An Autobiography quite fascinating and engrossing.
Bill Peet (1915-2002) is a self-professed reluctant student, especially of English classes, but he is nonetheless quite the good writer. Peet's illustrations add a lot to the pace and feel of the book and are a joy in their own right. His stories of life in Indianapolis before World War II will be interesting to any native Hoosier (as am I).
However, the most interesting part ...more
This book won a 1990 Caldecott Honor, and it is a tie between this one and "The Talking Eggs" for my favorite book that year. This was the longest Caldecott book I have ever read, at 192 pages, but I was totally fascinated by the story. The author/illustrator, who I had never heard of before, grew up during 1920s and the Great Depression, and was a great artist before he hit the big time and began working for Walt Disney. Being a huge Disney fan, I was intrigued by his behind-the-scenes story of
...more
Apr 20, 2010
Megan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone
Recommended to Megan by:
librarian
In grade school I was given the assignment of reading a biography or autobiography for a book report. Armed with my library card, and a determination to find something about Dr. Seuss, I was gently steered by the local librarian to this wonderful book by artist Bill Peet. Over the years, I have read and re-read it many times, and now a copy of it sits in my home library...
Bill Peet is a famous children's author and illustrator, who worked on such books as "The Caboose Who Got Loose", "The Little ...more
Bill Peet is a famous children's author and illustrator, who worked on such books as "The Caboose Who Got Loose", "The Little ...more
Bill Peet is probably my favorite children's book author and illustrator, and has been since I was a little girl. My children love his books today. If you have children, I highly recommend you add Bill Peet books to your collection. A couple favorites to start with are Smokey, Hungry Harold, Kermit the Hermit, Katy the Caboose, The Luckiest One of All, Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent, and Capyboppy. Peet is a fantastic illustrator and a humorous and fun storyteller.
Peet's autobiography helps yo ...more
Peet's autobiography helps yo ...more
Dec 04, 2012
Barbara
added it
BIll Peet who is mostly known as the author of Wump World wrote this autobiography about none other than himself. In this biography recommend for kids (I was quite surprised) he explains details of his life that you would never expect to come from a children's author. He explains his life living with his grandmother and his awful relationship with his parents. His art, and days in school and how he came to be an author and how is writing first began. I would recommend this book to any teacher th
...more
This is a book for anyone having a crisis of purpose. Bill Peet tells his life story, how he started with one dream but was persuaded by circumstances beyond his control to follow the dreams of others. Only in later life do his experiences come full circle so he can realize his dream again in an unexpected way.
He struggles with poverty, family issues, THE Great Depression, lousy bosses, dead end jobs, always making the best of it, pushing onward and keeping one eye on his own needs for personal ...more
He struggles with poverty, family issues, THE Great Depression, lousy bosses, dead end jobs, always making the best of it, pushing onward and keeping one eye on his own needs for personal ...more
A Caldecott Honor book, this book covers Bill Peet's life and career in an informal, easy-to-read format. Profusely illustrated, mostly with sketches, but Peet includes some of his paintings as well.
A Hoosier, Peet grew up in Indianapolis, with summer excursions to family farms. He dedicates about a third of the book to his childhood overall, painting a vivid picture of growing up during the 1920's and 1930's, discussing his obsession with drawing all through this period. After attending art sc ...more
A Hoosier, Peet grew up in Indianapolis, with summer excursions to family farms. He dedicates about a third of the book to his childhood overall, painting a vivid picture of growing up during the 1920's and 1930's, discussing his obsession with drawing all through this period. After attending art sc ...more
Dec 02, 2014
Reily Riemersma
added it
This is the story about Bill Peet and his life. He had always wanted to work for Disney or be able to contribute to them some how. Then one day he finally got his opportunity and he loved it. He later was let go and had to move on.
There are so many illustrations throughout this book. There is literally a picture on every page. The pictures are nice to look at during the book because they help explain bill Peet himself a little more.
There are so many illustrations throughout this book. There is literally a picture on every page. The pictures are nice to look at during the book because they help explain bill Peet himself a little more.
This book was really good. I learned a lot about Bill Peet I probably never would have known! It was an interesting book, because I learned more than I ever thought I could.
I wasn`t really impressed with the end of the book. It didn`t tell what I thought it would. The end of the book was about the success of one of his books.
Overall, this was a really good book, and I recommend it for a lot of people! ...more
I wasn`t really impressed with the end of the book. It didn`t tell what I thought it would. The end of the book was about the success of one of his books.
Overall, this was a really good book, and I recommend it for a lot of people! ...more
This was a GREAT book! I've loved Bill Peet's stories since I was a child. So I really enjoyed hearing the story of Bill Peet's life and how he came to be a children's book writer and illustrator. The best part of this book is that every page has an illustration! Over 200 of them!
I especially enjoyed the stories of when he worked for Walt Disney. I got a very interesting view of Disney from this book. Bill Peet based the Character of Merlin in The Sword in the Stone on his impressions of Walt Di ...more
I especially enjoyed the stories of when he worked for Walt Disney. I got a very interesting view of Disney from this book. Bill Peet based the Character of Merlin in The Sword in the Stone on his impressions of Walt Di ...more
This really shouldn't be on my children's list, as it's written for an older crowd, but I loved it. I love autobiographies, and especially illustrated autobiographies. This is a book about the life of Bill Peet, who was an artist who started out working for Walt Disney drawing thousands of pictures of Donald Duck, working his way into the writing department, struggling with expressing his creativity at the studios, his power struggles with crazy Walt, and his quitting Disney and emerging into th
...more
I read this right after watching the PBS two-part series on Walt Disney. It was interesting to get an insider's take on the famous man and the empire he spawned; Peet even includes some cartoons he did of Disney. His sense of humor, humility, and clear-eyed view of his life experiences both good and bad make this one of my favorites.
An autobiography of his early years in Indians, his 27 years [!] working for Walt Disney, done in the style of his children's books. Quite enjoyable, although one actually gets a more complete picture of his family life from "Capyboppy," about they're ill-advised attempt to keep a capybara as a pet in their San Fernando Valley home.
I loved this book, because it made me love Bill Peet even more! Bill Peet was an amazing artist, writer, and an incredibly creative man. His Autobiography was unique, fun to read (I couldn't put it down), and now I think everyone in the world should read it. I loved his illustrations throughout his life story. This would be a perfect book for children to read, when first learning about autobiographies. The only thing I wish this book had was more stories about his life. I wish he was still alive
...more
This didn't hold my interest at age 9, despite being aimed at a juvenile audience, but going back as an adult I have nothing but a heart full of love. Bill Peet's entire collection was a foundation of my literary childhood, as much for his wildly creative, distinctive illustrations as the stories themselves, so of course this is illustrated, with drawings taking up at least as much space as the text from cover to cover. In this one, though, the text really carried it along. I had never realized
...more
Oct 19, 2013
Children's Literature Project
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiography
,
kelli
Bill Peet autobiography follows the artist and author's life through his childhood in Indianapolis, through his struggles in high school, art college, his long career with Disney, and finally his own books being published. Bill Peet started drawing when he was six or seven but struggled with many of the other core subjects in school. He finally followed his passion and went to art school where he meant his wife. All though his career with Disney Annex, Peet still had a dream to write books. He f
...more
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| Searching for an Old Children's Book | 1 | 2 | Apr 13, 2015 05:47PM | |
| Bill Peet...AutoBio | 1 | 5 | Nov 23, 2009 02:39PM |
Bill Peet was an American children's book illustrator and a story writer for Disney Studios. He joined Disney in 1937 and worked on The Jungle Book, Song of the South, Cinderella, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, Goliath II, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Fantasia, The Three Caballeros, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and other stories.
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