Lost Boy by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Steve Adams

Something about Jane Yolen's name always captures my attention. I see her name on the cover of a book and I expect it to be of high quality.  Though Yolen has utilized rhyme in children's stories (my preference in picture books!), she also uses prose, which in some fascinating way (mystical, no doubt) draws me in and simply makes me read every single word.  Such is the case with her new biographical picture book, Lost Boy : the story of the man who created Peter Pan. 

I seriously did not intend to read this book.  I saw the cover with an interestingly aged  folk art type illustration of Peter Pan flying across a dark stage, glanced at Yolen's name, and then decided to take a peek.  15 mins later I knew more about James Matthew Barrie than I ever thought I would in my entire life.  The simple words which open the story, "Once upon a time", drew me right in to the tale of this young Scottish lad who spent his life seeking creative ways to entertain himself and others.  A list of Barrie's works as well as a rather interesting list of people who have played Peter Pan rounds out this informative biography.   Even if you are not interested in the man who gave the world Peter Pan, check out the book for a look at Steve Adams' illustrations.  Gorgeous full page illustrations are included in each spread, as well as smaller works that accompany quotes, mostly take from the pages of Peter Pan.