Rosemary Wells
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Rosemary Wells is the author of a number of popular children's books, most notably the Max and Ruby series which follows the everyday adventures of sibling bunnies - curious three year old Max and bossy seven year old Ruby. She gets the inspiration for Max and Ruby from her two daughters and the experiences they have with friends and school. Her West Highland Terriers Lucy and Snowy have also worked their way into her books, as McDuff and insight for other characters. She has also written Noisy Nora, Yoko, A Trip to the Bunny Planet series, a Chistmas Book called Morris and the Dissapearing Bag and a collected book of illustrations of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. In April 2007 her newest children's book The Gulps featuring illustrations by Marc Brown will be released.
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[edit] Background
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[edit] Writing Style
A common theme in Rosemary Wells' stories is the use of animal characters rather than humans. In the children's journal Stone Soup, Wells has stated that she writes using animals because it allows her to address sophisticated, controversial topics in a way children can understand and adults can accept. For example, Yoko tackles the thorny topics of xenophobia and diversity. It is about a young Japanese kitten who is ostrasized when she brings sushi in her school lunch. At the books conclusion, she gains acceptance by hosting a school luncheon where everyone brings food native to their family. Many of the animal characters - such as those in Max and Ruby - interact with one another much as humans would, while others such as McDuff - a West Highland Terrier - take on a more realistic role as the adopted pet of a young couple.
[edit] Illustrative Style
Like her writing, Wells' illustrations have grown more complex and sophisticated over the years. Her early works like Noisy Nora are expressive, but do not have much shading and are simpler inked-in drawings. In comparision, Yoko and the later Max and Ruby books are full of color and detail, with fully realized backgrounds and landscapes.
