It's a Snap!: George Eastman's First Photo

In telling the story of George Eastman, Monica employs the elements of strong storytelling. She creates an engaging character in George Eastman. It seems George is tired of being a banker. His mother tells him he needs a hobby. So George takes up photography. But this is 1877, and taking pictures is not an easy thing to do! Monica uses easy prose and wordplay to recreate the cumbersome process: the camera is as big as a microwave. George feels - and looks! -- like a packhorse as he carries all the equipment needed to take just one picture! A crowd gathers as he takes his first picture. And as he develops the plate, everyone waits ... and waits ... and waits. By the time the photograph is ready, everyone has gone home! "I wish everyone could take pictures," says George. The plot unfolds as George is determined to make a camera that everyone can use. Monica weaves together fact and story to create an important point in history. Bill Slavin uses pen and ink with watercolor to create the wonderfully whimsical characters. Many illustrations reflect the sepia tones of old time photographs, adding more flavor to the setting. A worthy addition to any collection, Monica presents an interesting biography for children just learning to read.

IT'S A SNAP! GEORGE EASTMAN'S FIRST PHOTOGRAPH receives illustrations by Bill Slavin as it tells of George's life and new hobby of photography back in 1877, when photography was more difficult and bulky. George changed the nature of photography and invented film the Brownie camera and the foundations of modern photography: this fine easy survey will educate and delight picturebook nonfiction readers in grades 2-3.