MERCER MAYERAUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR WEB EXPLORATION

BY: ANTONIA DASHER

SUMMER 2014 - LAE 3414

I never think of it [writing books] as being done in terms

of children. My books are for the children in all of us

really...

http://youtu.be/sNE8p0E4NVU?t=14s

Background Information

Mercer Mayer was born in Arkansas in 1943. At age 13 he moved to Hawaii with his parents. Graduating from High school, in 1961, he attended the Honolulu Academy of arts. Later in 1964, he moved to New York. Where he continued his education at the Art Students League. Mercer at the age of 23 years of age, began illustrating books in 1966. Since that time he has published over 300 books. Which includes his first book published was "A Boy, A Dog, and A Frog." Published by Dial Press in 1967. In 1976, Mercer made a major decision by joining the Golden Publishing. His collaboration with his wife on "The Little Critter," series is one of his popular works. This series along with "The Little Monster," series have kept many young readers engaged

CRAFT AND STYLE

Mercer writes about important real life lessons such as nightmares.

He helps children, through his writing and illustrations, overcome the possibilities and discover what life has to offer.

Mercer’s craft and style is fun and engaging. He uses a cintiq monitor to create his art work. (http://www.wacom.com/en/us/creative)

RESOURCES

Little Critter Read-a-loud: http://youtu.be/sNE8p0E4NVU?t=14s

Interactive games and reading: http://www.Littlecritter.com

Mercer Mayer Classroom Activities: http://www.pinterest.com/womswife/mercer-mayer/

Little Monster Read –a-loud: http://youtu.be/0EaliGHctw8

I viewed the Harper Collins Publishers website. It didn't really give much to look at other than books the author had written and a link to the author's website. So I did my website review on the author's personal website: http://www.littlecritter.com. The author has lots to offer on his webpage.

The Little Critter website offers Interactive read & play, story time movies, coloring pages, Little Monster activities, and many more fun items. It also includes links, such as http://www.pinterest.com, that offer additional resources; and a Amazon.com link to purchase books.

This website is great to use for beginning and struggling readers. Teachers may use the resources on this webpage when teaching a reading lesson on little critters, as extension activities, and/ or as independent free time activities. Parents may use the website for student free time at home when learning to read. The sing-a- long, & the interactive read & play activities are a superb tools for beginning readers.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.littlecritter.com - Mercer Mayer Website 2. http://www.mercermayer.com/- Mercer Mayer Art/Picture Gallery 3.http://

www.harpercollins.com/authors/17622/Mercer_Mayer/index.aspx- Mercer Mayer Biography 4.https://

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=little+critter- Little Critter videos 5.https://

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mercer+mayer- Mercer Mayer videos 6.http://

www.sharbor.com/documents/1377/attachments/MercerMayer.pdf - Information on Mercer’s craft and style