Artful Words: Mary Engelbreit and the Illustrated Quote

As we know, words can heal, encourage, inspire, bring laughter, convey love. Really, words are small miracles that can work wonders - if only we can find the right ones when they're needed. With ARTFUL WORDS AND THE ILLUSTRATED QUOTE we find not only appropriate words but the heartwarming illustrations of Mary Engelbreit. As she says "words and pictures are like the lyrics and the melody of a great song....they have always gone together." Indeed, they do. Thoughtful quotations and sayings are arranged by subject - seven in which Engelbreit has found inspiration: Love and Family, Friendship, Inspiration and Encouragement, Wisdom and Learning, Childhood, Holidays, and Pure Mary. Little is more endearing than the pages devoted to children which includes among others this quote from Charles Dickens, "It is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us," and from Graham Greene, "There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in." A section regarding friendship will make readers want to pick up the phone and call someone who is dear to them, and the words concerning love will touch hearts. My special thanks to Sara Jeanette Duncan for this apt reminder, "One loses many laughs by not laughing at oneself." ARTFUL WORDS is a volume worth returning to again and again to savor words of wisdom and enjoy Engelbreit's unique illustrations. - Gail Cooke

Mary Engelbreit is a favorite of mine: her artistry,her calendars with timely and appropriate quotes from many sources, and most recently her children's picture books and Mother Goose. Having this little book just with her illustrations and quotes is an often-pick-up-book!