Caricature Books

Japanese Anime Linens: 1970s To Present showcases more than 325 photographs of vintage and contemporary Japanese textiles, including fabrics, handkerchiefs, yukatas, and appliques, that come alive with art celebrating characters from anime, Japanese animated film and television. Most of the figures and shows chosen are from older anime of the decades leading up to the early 90's, including such classic heroes as Goku of Dragonball Z and Astro Boy, and many others corresponding to television shows never officially translated and released in English; a few offer designs celebrating more modern shows such as Digimon. Notes on fabric designs, color trends, examples of common textile labels, and recommendations for crafts round out this impressive and beautiful collection, revealing its smorgasbord selection with all the grandeur and respect of a museum collection artbook. Recommended for fabric collectors, sewing enthusiasts, fabric historians, and Japanese pop culture fans.

I bought this wonderfully illustrated book while living in Hoboken (where much of it is set,) and after reading it again, was surprised at its freshness. It's still amusing and apropos. If you find a copy, I suggest you buy it.

This coloring book for adults takes a satirical look at the Kennedy White House. The narrator is Carolyn Kennedy. She briefly introduces the reader to the different family members, policy makers, and political leaders. Her childish dialogue is simple but deadly. Each page in this 10" X 13" book features a different line drawing. It is a classic period piece.

I found this book in a "used book" store 20 years ago, loved it, gave it to a friend, and now regret it... It is truly a treasure if you're lucky enough to have a copy!

Jules Feiffer is best known for his long-running cartoons in The Village Voice. Once a week, he would target racism (both the people for and against), religion (ditto), bohemian artistry (ditto), or the tribulations of modern life. Or, as shown here, presidents and politics.

This is a collection of his cartoons, spanning nearly 30 years. It's organized chronologically by president, an organization that itself carries information. From the complacency of the 50s, when "leisure" was a problem, through Viet Nam and most of the Cold War, up to Reagan's Movie America, this is almost a chronicle of American neuroses.

His cartoons of kids may be the most pointed. In some (p.187, for example), Feiffer digs at parental callousness and irresponsibility. In others, the unfortunate little ones are shown contorting themselves into blatantly ridiculous patterns of adult reasoning. In others (e.g. both on p.63) the child seems to be the one sane point in a world where sanity is not an asset.

These cartoons express ideas that are probably important to you. Maybe they echo your own beliefs, maybe they present the opposition - either way, they're important.

//wiredweird

I thought that I could not draw until I got this book and now I am the best drawer in my class!!

This is one of the books we use in class. The children like the subject of cats. I have them add a quote to their pictures using 516 Sensational Cat Quotes, Proverbs, Quips and Jokes for Scrapbooking, Crafting and Fun.
The students are happy with their projects. We make cards and save the originals.
Everyone says it is a fun class and that they enjoy this drawing book.

This book is teaching me how
to draw dogs very well.

In this book, King Smurf, one of the Smurfs declares himself king in Papa Smurf's absence (adroitely borrowing a theme from the Biblical story of King David and his son Absalom). Well, as you can imagine, chaos quickly ensues.

Upon his return, Papa Smurf is horrified to find his little Mushroom Village transformed into an Orwellian Police State where black helicopters fly overhead and Smurfs are denied the right to bear arms.

After an impassioned plea where he invokes everyone from Plato to Thomas Jefferson, Papa Smurf wins the hearts and minds of his fellow Smurfs and restores Mushroom Village to a peace loving democracy.

Clay Jones' artistic style and quick wit are unmatched in his industry. I must have read this book a hundred times and will probably read it a hundred more. Awesome!