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WORK TITLE: DOGS AT WORK
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WEBSITE: https://www.margaretcardillo.com/
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COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 336
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PERSONAL
Born in Naples, FL; married Luke Fronefield; children: two.
EDUCATION:Boston College, degree in English; University of Miami, M.F.A.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Author, screenwriter, and educator. Hyperion Books for Children, New York, NY, former associate editor; University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, lecturer in cinema, interactive media, and screenwriting.
AWARDS:Gold medal, Florida Book Awards, 2011, for Just Being Audrey; College Emmy Award, for Posthumous; James A. Michener fellowship, University of Miami.
WRITINGS
Also writer of short films, including Posthumous, 2014.
Just Being Audrey is in being adapted for a film by Lionsgate.
SIDELIGHTS
American writer Margaret Cardillo is a children’s book author, screenwriter, and professor at UM School of Communication in Florida. A former associate editor at Hyperion Books for Children, Cardillo is the author of three picture books for young readers: Just Being Audrey, a biography of the iconic movie star, Audrey Hepburn; Just Being Jackie, a biography of the wife of President John F. Kennedy, who herself later went into publishing; and Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs.
In an online Wannabe interview, Cardillo explained her early desire to become an author: “I’m from a big Italian family, which means that everyone needs to know how to tell a good story or you’ll never get a word in! I’ve always always had the dream of seeing my name on the spine of a book. But I always thought it was a pipe dream—something I could think about but that would never become a reality. I still can’t believe it did. I’ve always loved writing (which comes from loving to read) and I sincerely hope I can continue to do it.”
Cardillo teams with illustrator Julia Denos on the 2011 picture book, Just Being Audrey, a work targeted at readers from four to eight. The author covers Hepburn’s onscreen life in movies such as Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the manner in which she could–with her sense of fashion and spirit–actually light up the screen. But the author also goes into Hepburn’s life offscreen, growing up in Europe under Nazi occupation and hiding away in a country house with her family and forty others. With little to eat during those years, Hepburn was the recipient of a random act of kindness when the war was over and a United Nations volunteer gave her a prized chocolate bar. That experience taught her the power and importance of kindness. After her years in the movies, she became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, hoping to change the plight of impoverished children. Reviewing the work in School Library Journal, Alison Donnelly commented; “This picture-book biography is a great addition to any collection,” and one that offers a “delightful introduction to Audrey Hepburn.” Similarly, a Publishers Weekly reviewer noted: “Audrey Hepburn proves as irresistible a character in the pages of a children’s book as she is in those soigne roles of the silver screen.”
Speaking with a contributor for Hepburn Girl in a Gaga World website, Cardillo commented on her early introduction to Audrey Hepburn: “[For school] I had to dress up and do a report on a character from history. My mom’s first response was to do Audrey Hepburn. I was about 11 or 12 and didn’t know who she was. So we sat down and watched Roman Holiday, which turned into Sabrina which turned into Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I was hooked. She was mesmerizing to watch. She really lit up the screen. I wanted to be just like her—and I tried. Oh did I try. But after researching for my report (and of course for the book) I’m reminded that … [Hepburn] would want me to first and foremost be myself.”
Cardillo followed up this initial biographical picture book with the 2018 Just Being Jackie, about the life of Jacqueline Kennedy. The book follows Jackie from her privileged childhood with an early love of horses, and then follows her throughout her travels, her time spent working for a newspaper, and her marriage to John F. Kennedy and becoming known worldwide as the stylish First Lady. Cardillo also looks at Jackie’s life following Kennedy’s assassination, working as a book editor. A Kirkus Reviews critic had praise for Just Being Jackie, noting: “One of America’s most elegant first ladies is introduced to a new generation of readers in this charming picture book.” The critic further termed it a “lovely literary tribute that will inspire readers to want to know more.” Similarly, Booklist contributor Ilene Cooper felt that Jackie “gets a stylish treatment… [in this] enticing introduction.”
In a Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb interview, Cardillo remarked on her choice of Kennedy for a second picture book biography: “We wanted someone who had a compelling story, who was a strong woman, who perhaps overcame something in her life, and who was philanthropic. We also wanted someone iconic, both in fashion and with her presence. Jackie Kennedy came to the forefront pretty quickly.” Cardillo went on to remark in the same interview that Jackie had become something of an icon for herself, as she writes with a framed photo of Jackie above her desk. It shows the First Lady aboard Air Force One, with her shoes off and her feet up on a seat, reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac. “It’s completely candid,” Cardillo noted, “and it speaks volumes about Jackie’s personality and passion for books.”
Cardillo leaves famous women behind for her 2021 picture book: Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs, illustrated by Zachariah OHora. Here the author chronicles a variety of real jobs that dogs do, in addition to being your best friend. Humans often leave their dogs at home when they, the bipeds, go out to work. This book turns the tables on that notion, through the imagination of two children who have been left behind for the day. Then the dogs get on the bus to go to work as service and therapy dogs, or delivering the mail by sled, rescuing people lost in the mountains, or perhaps even running for mayor. A Kirkus Reviews critic found this to be a “solid choice for dog lovers and those who want to better appreciate how dogs help humans.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, December 1, 2010, Daniel Kraus, review of Just Being Audrey, p. 43; March 15, 2018, Ilene Cooper, review of Just Being Jackie, p. 34.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, April, 2018, Elizabeth Bush, review of Just Being Jackie, p. 327.
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2018, review of Just Being Jackie; May 15, 2021, review of Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs.
Publishers Weekly, December 6, 2010, review of Just Being Audrey, p. 47; May 7, 2018, review of Just Being Jackie, p. 68; April 19, 2021, review of Dogs at Work, p. 83.
School Library Journal, April 1, 2011, Alison Donnelly, review of Just Being Audrey, p. 158.
ONLINE
Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, http://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/ (July 27, 2018), Deborah Kalb, “Q&A with Margaret Cardillo.”
Culture Builds Florida, https://culturebuildsflorida.org/ (April 5, 2012), Jennifer Hoesing, “Art Talk: Margaret Cardillo.”
Daily News, https://www.nydailynews.com/ (Narch 3, 2011), Gina Salamone, author interview.
Girls of Summer, https://girlsofsummerlist.com/ (February 1, 2012), “An Interview with Margaret Cardillo, Author of ‘Just Being Audrey’.”
Hepburn Girl in a Gaga World, http://hepburngirlinagagaworld.blogspot.com/ (April 8, 2011), Birdee Bow, “Interview with Author Margaret Cardillo.”
Jama’s Alphabet Soup, https://jamarattigan.com/ (March 14, 2011), Jama Rattigan, interview with Margaret Cardillo and Julia Denos.
Margaret Cardillo website, https://www.margaretcardillo.com (November 11, 2021).
UM School of Communication website, https://com.miami.edu/ (November 12, 2021), author profile.
VoyageMIA, http://voyagemia.com/ (July 26, 2018), interview with Margaret Cardillo.
Wannabe, https://wannabemagazine.com/ (November 12, 2021), “Wannabe Interview: Margaret Cardillo.”*
Margaret Cardillo holds degrees from Boston College and the University of Miami. Her first children's book, Just Being Audrey, a biography of Audrey Hepburn, won the Florida Book Award Gold Medal. Margaret's writing for the screen won a College Emmy and received several Best of Fest awards. A former children's book editor, Margaret now teaches screenwriting at the University of Miami, and she lives nearby with her family.
Margaret Cardillo is a children’s book author, a screenwriter, and a professor. She’s the author of the award-winning picture book biographies Just Being Audrey and Just Being Jackie. A native of Naples, Florida, she holds degrees from Boston College and the University of Miami, where she now teaches screenwriting. She lives in Miami with her family, including Zampano, her rescue dog. She believes they are soul mates. (Her husband understands.) You can visit her online at www.margaretcardillo.com.
Margaret Cardillo holds degrees from Boston College and University of Miami. Margaret’s writing for the screen won a College Emmy and received several Best of Fest awards. Her books have been awarded the Florida Book Award Gold Medal and the Texas Bluebonnet Award. The film rights for her first children’s book, Just Being Audrey, a biography of Audrey Hepburn, went to Lionsgate where it is currently in development. A former children’s book editor, Margaret now teaches screenwriting at the University of Miami. She lives in Miami with her family and is currently at work on more scripts and books. You can visit her online at www.margaretcardillo.com.
QUOTE: "I’m from a big Italian family, which means that everyone needs to know how to tell a good story or you’ll never get a word in! I’ve always always had the dream of seeing my name on the spine of a book. But I always thought it was a pipe dream—something I could think about but that would never become a reality. I still can’t believe it did. I’ve always loved writing (which comes from loving to read) and I sincerely hope I can continue to do it."
Wannabe interview: Margaret Cardillo
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170746 100185466722521 100001932032163 1553 1718944 o1 Wannabe interview: Margaret CardilloMargaret Cardillo is drawn from an early age to the most diverse forms of art, she is a lover and the creator of the beautiful written word. Her book “Just Being Audrey ” is nothing but a style bible for all girls.
WANNABE MAGAZINE: Let’s start with the usual questions: tell us about yourself and your art.
MARGARET CARDILLO: I’m from a big Italian family, which means that everyone needs to know how to tell a good story or you’ll never get a word in! I’ve always always had the dream of seeing my name on the spine of a book. But I always thought it was a pipe dream—something I could think about but that would never become a reality. I still can’t believe it did. I’ve always loved writing (which comes from loving to read) and I sincerely hope I can continue to do it.
What sorts of books did you enjoy as a girl?
I was a big reader, but I feel like a lot of the books I read when I was younger were adult books and all the books I read as an adult are for children. Funny how that happens. But I loved picture books: Leo Leoni, Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, Margaret Wise Brown, to name a few. As I got older I can remember exactly what I was wearing when I read Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret. But I also read Jack Kerouac and JD Salinger when I was in middle school. I had older brothers, so the books were around. I didn’t understand half of what any of it meant, but I liked the sounds of the words.
What books are your favorites today?
I can’t answer this question. Because the second I write a title down, I think of ten others that I absolutely have to write down as well. I will say that I’m much more into books about people. I’m not a big fantasy reader. Other than that, the stack on my nightstand looks like a random pick at a library. There’s really no theme. Children’s books, nonfiction, fiction, journals, magazines, etc.
What inspired you to begin writing for children?
I was working at a children’s publishing house in the editorial department and I just fell (back) in love with books for children. I think it was probably because one of my jobs was to read fan mail and get it to the proper author. Reading things like “I’d never read a book before and then I read yours and now I read all the time.” How amazing is that? I want to be a part of something like that.
People enjoyed reading about the book Just being Audrey. When did you discover Audrey?
I love that people enjoy reading about Just Being Audrey! Well, I learned about Audrey Hepburn when I was about 11 years old or so from my mother. I had to dress up like a character from history and my mom suggested Audrey Hepburn. My mom had always loved her as an actress, but I had never heard of her. So my mom popped in Roman Holiday and by the end of the movie I had found my subject, and a lifelong role model.
Audrey HC c1 Wannabe interview: Margaret Cardillo
You cannot open a book without learning something. What lessons can kids learn from the book?
Audrey was always herself. And she was always kind. Those are two incredible characteristics, no matter how simple they sound, that I think are important for young people to know about today. She never tried to be anyone but herself—and that wasn’t always so easy in her line of work. She “owned it” as they say, and because of that she started a whole new trend that hasn’t died down to this day. She wasn’t just elegant of dress; she was elegant of spirit as well. Not only did she overcome incredible adversity as a child during World War II, she later became a UNICEF Ambassador and traveled around the world helping children in need.
110108FE audrey1 t6071 Wannabe interview: Margaret Cardillo
Could you tell us about your own path to publication?
The idea to write a children’s book biography of Audrey Hepburn came to me while I was walking down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and I was thinking about what I wanted to eat for lunch. (I had been thinking about lunch since I walked in the door that morning. Remember, I’m Italian.) And I saw a picture of Audrey and it just hit me. Her life would make an incredible children’s book. And I hadn’t seen a lot of biographies about celebrities (rightly so) but her life definitely had amazing themes to it.
Just being Aubrey3 julia Denos1 Wannabe interview: Margaret Cardillo
Do you have any future children’s books in the works? Can you tell us anything about them?
I do. I’m not quite ready to talk about them yet, but they are in the works. I’ll let you know as soon as I can!
You are also author of a blog Let’s go Margaret. What blog means to you?
I just recently started blogging and I think it’s a lot of fun. I’m able to share a lot of my school and bookstore visits on there. They have been so much fun and the things the kids say are amazing. I also just like the idea of putting stuff out there that entertains someone. I love when I read a blog entry about something and I find myself nodding my head in agreement with this person I have never met. They’re writing about something that makes me laugh or something that I’ve also been through or something that interests me. It’s really fun.
being audrey1 Wannabe interview: Margaret Cardillo
What advice do you have for aspiring young authors?
Writing is a tough job because you’re on your own. You’re in your head a lot and no one is waiting on you to finish your work. Writers by nature have to be a self-critical. So it can be a little bit of a perfect storm. My advice is to just KEEP GOING. Getting the work done is what it’s all about. Write through the self-doubt. And when you get stuck, take a walk. But if you love it, come back to it.
Little note for everyone who read this.
Thank you, thank you. The fact that people like the book, read the book, buy the book still amazes me. And thank you for your interest in the book. I hope you enjoy.
QUOTE: "We wanted someone who had a compelling story, who was a strong woman, who perhaps overcame something in her life, and who was philanthropic. We also wanted someone iconic, both in fashion and with her presence. Jackie Kennedy came to the forefront pretty quickly."
. "It's completely candid," Cardillo noted, "and it speaks volumes about Jackie's personality and passion for books."
Friday, July 27, 2018
Q&A with Margaret Cardillo
Margaret Cardillo, photo by Audrey Snow
Margaret Cardillo is the author of the new children's picture book Just Being Jackie, which focuses on the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Cardillo also has written Just Being Audrey, about Audrey Hepburn. She teaches screenwriting at the University of Miami.
Q: Why did you decide to write a children's picture book about Jackie Kennedy?
A: For my first book, Audrey Hepburn was such an obvious choice. I had dressed up like her for my middle school character parade and she had been a role model for me since I was young.
With Jackie, it was different. Of course I had discussed a second book with my editor. We wanted someone who had a compelling story, who was a strong woman, who perhaps overcame something in her life, and who was philanthropic. We also wanted someone iconic, both in fashion and with her presence. Jackie Kennedy came to the forefront pretty quickly.
It's important to note that I have been writing for years with a single black and white framed photo above my desk: Jackie aboard Air Force One, wrapped in a blanket, her shoes kicked off with her feet propped up on a seat, reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
It's completely candid, and it speaks volumes about Jackie's personality and passion for books. My husband gave it to me when we were still dating. I loved everything about that photo the moment I saw it.
She was enigmatic to me. I had always had a certain vision of Jackie, but something about the way she is sitting and the fact that she's reading the rebellious Kerouac changed the way I looked at her. There truly is so much more to her than meets the eye.
Q: Which of Jackie Kennedy's characteristics did you choose to focus on in the book, and why?
A: With Jackie it became quite clear that she was incredibly intelligent, witty, cultured and that she loved to read. What better thing to focus on for a children's book than a person who loved to read! So I knew that would be a major theme of the book.
She really embraced her role as an ambassador for America. She was a private person, but she knew the importance of going out in the world and being with and knowing people from different cultures. She was constantly learning.
As much as she may be known for being the president's wife, she was always very much herself. She also knew how important her role was as the widow to a beloved president. I think Jackie's legacy is this symbol of pride: in herself, in her intelligence, and in America. She made the jump from being proud to showing pride in an incredible way.
And of course, there's the fashion. I absolutely cannot underscore enough her sense of style. It's hard not to drool over Julia Denos's fashionable renderings of Jackie's outfits. I wouldn't mind having some of them in my closet.
But her style ran deep. Jackie was extremely well mannered and always dressed and presented herself in an impeccable way. There's a lot to learn from that as we go out in the world to follow our passions.
Q: Can you say more about what you think Julia Denos's illustrations add to the book?
A: What DON'T they add to the book?! I consider myself the luckiest author in the world to have Julia doing illustrations. As soon as I saw her work on Audrey I wanted her to illustrate my whole life. I just adore her and her art.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from Just Being Jackie?
A: I loved writing a book about someone who loved reading. So, I hope they take away that message. But I also hope they see a strong, independent, smart woman who did her own thing. I hope they learn from her that being smart is wonderful and should be embraced and nurtured.
I hope they see a person who was strong even in the face of adversity or tragedy. And they learn from her how to get back up on that horse, literally and figuratively. I also hope they learn to recognize the importance of history and culture in our society.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am working on another biography. Stay tuned! I also just sold another children's book but it has nothing to do with women. It's a book about dogs!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
Posted by Deborah Kalb at 6:16 AM
chatting with margaret cardillo and julia denos about just being audrey
MARCH 14, 2011 ~ JAMA
“God kissed her on the cheek, and there she was.” ~ Billy Wilder on Audrey Hepburn
I’m really happy to welcome author Margaret Cardillo and illustrator Julia Denos to alphabet soup today because I love love their new picture book biography, Just Being Audrey (Balzer + Bray, 2011)!
As a lifelong Audrey fan, I was truly excited when I first heard about this book when reading Julia’s fab interview at 7-Imp. At a time when young girls look to celebrities for role models, and when all too often those role models disappoint, it’s heartening to know that now Audrey’s story can be held up as rock solid inspiration.
Distilling Hepburn’s fascinating life into 32 pages must have been a daunting task, but Margaret and Julia have done a beautiful job of presenting significant milestones — from Audrey’s unique childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, to her rise as an award-winning actress and fashion icon, to the tireless work she did on behalf of the world’s impoverished children as International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
I love how Just Being Audrey captures the essence of Audrey’s grace, elegance, style, beauty, indomitable spirit, and unfailing kindness. She was definitely someone who always remained true to herself, and it’s exciting to see generation after generation, regardless of age or gender, continue to admire not only Audrey’s “movie star” persona, but also the totally unassuming person she was in real life. The more you learn about Audrey, the more you want to emulate her conduct and live by her values. Margaret’s and Julia’s own admiration, enthusiasm and love for Audrey shine through on every page — making this well-written, gorgeously illustrated book an especially good choice for Women’s History Month and a wonderful keepsake for girls (and women) of all ages.
I know you’ll enjoy hearing what Margaret and Julia have to say!
If you could meet Audrey today, what would you say to her?
Margaret: I’d thank her for inspiring me, for being completely lovely and a great role model. And then I would listen to absolutely anything she had to say. I’d hang on every word and commit them to memory. Then I’d probably compliment her outfit because I’m sure it would be fabulous.
Julia: You know, I’ve spent months saying, “If only I’d had the chance to meet Audrey,” but I could never imagine much beyond a big hug! I know I’d be speechless, but she’d probably break the ice by offering to make spaghetti.
Why do you think it’s important for young readers to know about Audrey’s life?
Margaret: That’s the reason I wrote the book: to share the story of this amazing woman with young readers. When too many women use their celebrity for the wrong reasons, I wanted to celebrate a woman who used her celebrity for the right ones. She is an icon for her style and a role model for her actions. Her work with UNICEF was unprecedented. Before it was in vogue to give your name to charities, she was not only an ambassador for UNICEF, she was on the road for the majority of the year, in the villages holding sick children and embracing their mothers. There were no bounds to her love.
Here was a girl who overcame enormous adversity during the war (and proved brave and kind even in the darkest hours). Then, as a young woman, she broke into one of the most difficult industries in the world—and always with a smile on her face and kind words. And she was always, always true to herself. No matter how different she looked or sounded, she never tried to dress or act like anyone other than herself. What better message is there for a young person? Be yourself. Be kind. That can be the foundation of a good person.
Julia: Audrey lived her life in a way that makes her a fabulous role model for young readers, especially young women.
She experienced war-time trauma as a child and endured. She invented her own brand of elegance by respecting her unique physical attributes, rather than trying to alter them; something rare in celebrities and is refreshing to see.
Besides her well-known outer beauty, Audrey is a lovely example of radiant inner beauty. She possessed some rare and admirable virtues: integrity, devotion, gratitude and humility. She believed in putting others first and lived her life accordingly. Audrey cared a lot about plain old kindness, and that every person had worth. Yes, she even did her homework! Directors always mentioned that she was punctual and always prepared for her scenes; Audrey claimed she HAD to study lines so intensely to compensate, since she did not possess the star quality that her peers did! She had also known what it was like to have nothing and never forgot that. Perhaps this is why she always chose to be grateful, always chose hope, and encouraged hope in others.
Audrey was a leader. In her speeches for UNICEF, she encouraged each of us to act on the responsibility we have to our needy family around the globe, especially children. Caring for the needs of others, and using her celebrity name to do so, became her singular goal at the end of her life.
Above all, Audrey is an example of simply living according to one’s heart, which is a great message for a reader of any age. She was “just Audrey,” despite fame and fortune. That is what made her a star.
What did you love most about working on this project? What proved to be the biggest challenge?
Margaret: I loved delving into her life and learning everything I could. Seeing the illustrations for the first time was a great day. I also really enjoyed (and still enjoy) hearing everyone’s stories about how and why they came to love Audrey. It’s not just older women, either. Men, young children, twenty-somethings. The reaction to Audrey Hepburn is visceral and I love hearing what she means to people. It’s great inspiration.
One of the biggest challenges for me was letting go of all the great and interesting facts about Audrey’s life. There was so much I wanted to squeeze in (I was so grateful to our fabulous editor and designer for figuring out how to get a timeline in the backmatter). It was so important to me to do her life story justice, a feat I now realize is basically impossible, because I’m still thinking to this day, “Well, what about this fact or this point?”
Julia: I loved watching Audrey’s story unfold. It felt very special and overwhelming to be invited into someone’s life story from beginning to end and try to create something to honor it. I also enjoyed learning gems that seemed off the beaten path for Audrey fans. One surprising find was Audrey’s visual talent, her understanding of costume design and how she played a role in tailoring her look. She created art through her life and even painted.
Of course, I also loved that I was REQUIRED to surround myself in her fashion! Her life-long partnership with Hubert de Givenchy was inspiring and incredibly interesting to learn about. They were two driven people who genuinely loved and respected each others’ crafts, assisted one another in building their careers, and were dear friends from Sabrina’s dress to the end of her life. Audrey tended to take her favorite people with her, including her makeup artists credited for the “Audrey eye,” the De Rossi’s, who ended up dear friends of her family.
Audrey with Hubert de Givenchy
The biggest challenge was sitting at my desk, flooded with gorgeous imagery, and trying to figure out how to funnel it all into a “look” for Audrey that I could duplicate again and again. It was intimidating! It always takes a lot of drawing and giant leaps of faith to finally end up with a sketch that is free and light but still bears resemblance.
You both did a lot of research. From your point of view as a writer or illustrator, which materials were the most helpful, enlightening, and/or inspiring?
Margaret: I read a lot of biographies for basic information. And towards the end I picked up a few gift books to get away from simply facts. I also read fan blogs for inspiration and motivation. I took something from all of them. My absolute favorite book was Audrey Hepburn’s son’s family memoir called Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers. Mr. Ferrer’s love for his mother is palpable and it is the closest I felt to knowing her. I also poured over The Audrey Hepburn Treasures because I love all of those pockets with Audrey memorabilia.
Of course I watched and re-watched her movies (which, let me tell you, was the most difficult part of the research. “Excuse me,” I’d tell my family, “I HAVE to go watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s research for the book!) And then, at the end, I kind of had to forget all of it and write from my heart. I have such admiration for her and she has been such an inspiration to me and I wanted that to translate to the page. I knew I had to get a lot of facts into a small amount of space, but I also wanted some of that emotion to come through.
Julia: The main sources were biographies, which I read first. The stand out title was, Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit by Audrey’s son, Sean Hepburn-Ferrer. His words kept her very real. Girlhood pictures kept her childlike spirit with me. Candid family photos from her website kicked off my inspiration. Another inspiring book, The Audrey Hepburn Treasures by Ellen Erwin and Jessica Diamond, contained personal objects like handwritten notes, family Christmas cards, Audrey’s bran muffin recipe card! For visuals, of course I had the movies running constantly. I paused them often to look at details like shoe shapes and skirt movement.
There is this quiet little clip of her from “Gardens of the World” on YouTube. Between takes, the director asks her candidly about her work for UNICEF. I was so moved by this.
What’s your favorite spread in the book and why?
Margaret: This is a question I dread people asking me. How do I choose? I am so lucky that Julia Denos agreed to illustrate the book. As soon as I saw her work, I knew she would be perfect. I want to live in her illustrations. When I saw the first sketch of Audrey it was like magic. I couldn’t wait to see what she would do with the book. Flipping through the first proof it was one “oohh” and “aahh” after another. And everyone in my family loves a different spread for a different reason, as do I. I will say that when I opened the spread that illustrates all of her movie roles, I had to catch my breath. It was just so perfect.
Julia: My favorite spread is the one about Audrey’s “style” with all the postcards. It was the most visually fun for me to try to capture Audrey’s synthesis of style + spirit. It was the first time I felt like I cracked Audrey’s code, and got her into the drawing. I also love Margaret’s description of “the Audrey look” here. I enjoyed making and researching the “around-the-world” travel pieces, dreaming of a time when stamps were actually 4 cents!
What’s your favorite Audrey movie and why?
Margaret: Oh well, there you go! You’ve asked both the questions I dread answering! We have a Facebook fanpage for Just Being Audrey and the day the book came out we ran a contest: Name your favorite Audrey movie and why. The responses were fantastic. But it was very clear that most people have a hard time picking just one, which is such a testament to Audrey and the talented people she worked with. If forced, I’d have to say Roman Holiday. My mother introduced me to Audrey when I was about eleven. The first movie she showed me was Roman Holiday and it was love at first sight. Plus, I’m Italian so it holds a special place in my heart.
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck relax in Rome during a break from shooting the 1953 film “Roman Holiday.”
Julia: Oh no! Impossible to choose. There are pieces from every movie I adore: the letter-writing scene in Sabrina as “La Vie en Rose” drifts in: “I have learned how to live, how to be in the world and of the world and not just stand aside and watch” . . . Avedon’s scrumptious Paris in Funny Face . . . but if I had to REALLY pick, then “by all means” Roman Holiday! It was my first Audrey movie and Audrey’s first Hollywood film. Maybe that’s why it’s my favorite. I could see her blossom as an actress. Knowing her background story made me feel so proud of her, since she’d worked so hard to get there. The best scene is at The Mouth of Truth when Gregory Peck puts his hand in the statue’s mouth and acts like it’s been eaten! YIKES! Apparently, this was a little joke on Audrey, so her reaction is real on screen — and it is PERFECT! Also love how she keeps asking Mr. Peck for “PAJAHHHHMAS.”
Audrey as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday
Jama: I don’t know about you, but I could go on talking about Audrey all day long. And it *is* very hard to pick a favorite Audrey movie; interesting how both Julia and Margaret decided on Roman Holiday, and for largely the same reasons! They’re the perfect match for telling Audrey’s story, totally in sync, and I thank them so much for visiting today!!
What’s your favorite Audrey movie?
JUST BEING AUDREY
written by Margaret Cardillo
illustrated by Julia Denos
published by Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins, January 2011)
Full Color Picture Book for ages 5+
Cool themes: self-actualization, ballet, movies, charity work, actors, Europe, fashion, kindness, gratitude.
♥ Official book trailer is here.
♥ Margaret Cardillo’s official website and blog.
♥ Julia Denos’s official website and blog.
♥ Just Being Audrey Facebook Page, with links to the great reviews it’s been getting, like this one from Hannah Elliott at Forbes.
♥ Interviews: Margaret at the NY Daily News, Julia at 7-Imp.
♥ Audrey Hepburn official website.
“If I’m honest, I have to tell you I still read fairy tales, and I like them best of all. ” ~ Audrey Hepburn
*Spreads posted by permission, text copyright © 2011 Margaret Cardillo, illustrations © 2011 Julia Denos, published by Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins. All rights reserved.
**Unless otherwise noted, all photos from audreyhepburn.com.
Copyright © 2011 Jama Rattigan of jama rattigan’s alphabet soup. All rights reserved.
QUOTE: "I had to dress up and do a report on a character from history. My mom’s first response was to do Audrey Hepburn. I was about 11 or 12 and didn’t know who she was. So we sat down and watched Roman Holiday, which turned into Sabrina which turned into Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I was hooked. She was mesmerizing to watch. She really lit up the screen. I wanted to be just like her—and I tried. Oh did I try. But after researching for my report (and of course for the book) I’m reminded that ... [Hepburn]would want me to first and foremost be myself."
Friday, April 8, 2011
Interview with author Margaret Cardillo
The more you know about Audrey Hepburn the more you want to learn! As a self proclaimed Hep fanatic, I am always on the hunt for more more more Audrey literature. You can imagine my sheer delight & excitement when I discovered the fabulous Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo. I was honored to have the opportunity to visit with the busy author between her current book signing appearances. Read on to find even more reasons why an adoration for The Hepster is truly a classy idea ....
Your love for The Hep is most apparent within the pages of Just Being Audrey. Can you explain the magnetism which initially drew you in to the stylish star?
My mom introduced me to The Hep (huge HUGE kudos to you, I love the name. I have occasionally called her La Hepburn. But the Hep is very…hip.)
I had to dress up and do a report on a character from history. My mom’s first response was to do Audrey Hepburn. I was about 11 or 12 and didn’t know who she was. So we sat down and watched Roman Holiday, which turned into Sabrina which turned into Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I was hooked. She was mesmerizing to watch. She really lit up the screen. I wanted to be just like her—and I tried. Oh did I try. But after researching for my report (and of course for the book) I’m reminded that The Hep would want me to first and foremost be myself.
So, yes, the initial magnetism was from her spirit, charm and beauty in the movies. But she was also very relatable. She had a sweet vulnerability, like she could be your friend and you could share your stories over some coffee and chocolate. She had that unbelievably unique quality: you find yourself wanting to be like her, while at the same time seeing a little bit of yourself in her.
Over the years I've watched & read many Audrey interviews. It seems as though she is always a bit reserved in discussion regarding childhood days in a World War II Nazi-occupied Europe. One would assume the pain was too deep. In your research did you learn more about those early days? How do you think it shaped her resolve to be successful?
Some of the most interesting research I did was about her childhood and surviving World War II. It was difficult to leave a lot of those anecdotes out of the book. There is one interview in particular that I watched where you can see Audrey’s entire demeanor change when the interviewer asks about that time of her life. She witnessed some very horrific events, including her uncle’s death. She also used to be a runner of sorts for the Resistance. She would bring messages to the Resistance troops in a forest near the house she had been moved to. On a trip back from delivering one of these messages a Nazi soldier stopped her. She simply gave him a flower, as if she had been picking them all along, and moved on. Now that is bravery.
As for her resolve, I think it’s just a matter of survival. First the war, and then all of the post-war difficulties. She and her mother had very little money, clothing and food. So Audrey had to get to work, and fast. She continued dancing but, as I wrote in the book, it became apparent that she was simply too tall to be a ballerina. Though it was devastating news, she did not have the luxury of sitting around and moping about it. She moved on to the next thing: modeling and then acting. So, it seems to me, it was more a matter of “how can I put a roof over our heads” than “I want to be a famous movie actress.” It was in her nature to work harder than anyone and constantly strive for success. She was like that long before the war.
I LOVE the fact that there is now a beautiful book about Audrey appropriate for the age 4-8 set! What was your motivation to write this lovely jewel? Have you experienced any memorable reactions from precious little "Hepsters"?
First of all, your compliments are making me blush. Thank goodness this is over email or I would be tongue-tied for sure.
Since I was introduced to Audrey at a young age and was able to relate to her even then, I thought the idea would work. I really wanted to share her story with young girls in particular. She was true to herself and she was kind. Here was a woman who used her celebrity for all the right reasons. Isn’t that a wonderful for young girls to know?
I also love the idea that there can be a meaningful biography for children about an actress and celebrity. I don’t think many lives are appropriate for that audience. The fact that Audrey’s life was so exceptional made it felt like the book just had to be done.
The reaction from little Hepsters has been incredible! By far one of my favorite parts of this whole process. I do feel like AH is more known now to a younger crowd than when I was young. I’ve received pictures of girls dressed up like AH for birthday parties and Halloween. But the best part is meeting them at the signings. I’ve signed many books to little girls named Audrey, many named after The Hep herself! The fans are generally little fashionistas, but many know about her charity work and try to emulate that in their schools. Isn’t that amazing? I absolutely love seeing these young fans. One thing is for sure: Audrey endures.
Naples News photo
The illustrations in the book are absolutely gorgeous! How did the collaboration with artist Julia Denos transpire?
Oh, well, I’m just about the luckiest writer ever. Julia’s work is simply incredible. “Perfect for the job” doesn’t quite cover it. And Julia is completely lovely as well, which just added to the magic of the whole thing.
The fantastically smart people in the design department at HarperCollins knew of Julia’s work. My editor was kind enough to say, “What do you think of this illustrator?” I remember opening up her portfolio and my heart racing. I thought, “We have to get her.”
The only connection I had with Julia during her painting was the manuscript. I worked on revisions for my editor, and when they were completed she sent the final manuscript to Julia. That was it. I reached out to her when her process was over to tell her how much I loved her work. We’ve since become pen pal friends.
Do you think Audrey's style will live on forever & What specific "Audrey Looks" have you adopted into your own style regime?
Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes. Absolutely. Her style will live on forever. Who was wearing ballet flats before Audrey made them stylish? And my feet thank her for it. She has influenced so much of my wardrobe. Large sunglasses, the LBD, pedal pushers. I’m definitely more on the tailored side of clothing, but I do branch out with interesting colors and cuts as often as possible (hello, AH in Mary Quant.) What I loved about her style was that it was classic, but always with a little twist. She said, “My look is attainable…” but I think it’s basically impossible to replicate. Her spirit is infused in her style. She would prpbably want us all to take it and make it our own anyway, just like she did.
Tell me about the new screenplay you are currently working on! Where can we see & read more from you in 2011!!?
I am currently getting my MFA in Screenwriting and loving it. It’s a completely different way of writing and I think it’s really helping my craft. The current script is a romantic comedy (surprise, surprise). I am also working on two other picture books (another biography and an original picture book) and a novel that I’ve been toying with for a year. I’m also going to start focusing much more on my blog letsgomargaret.blogspot.com. When I get tired of working on one project, I just move right on to the other. They all feed off of each other. But my idea notebook looks like a mad woman wrote it.
Thanks Margaret! Congratulations on your literary success & GOGOGO
Posted by Birdee Bow at 8:13 AM
JULY 26, 2018Meet Margaret Cardillo in Coconut Grove
LOCAL STORIES
SHARETWEETPIN
Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Cardillo.
Margaret, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Naples, Florida. I grew up in a big, loud, hungry Italian family with three brothers and two dogs (always two). Everyone fought for the last word and the last bite. It was a lot of fun. I couldn’t wait to get out of there after high school and went to college at Boston College, which I loved. Of course, as soon as people there found out I was from Florida I became very popular right around spring break. I majored in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and minored in Italian.
After graduation, I had no job and no prospects. While I had begun to see the allure of South Florida, my dream had always been to move to New York. I applied for hundreds of jobs online from my fifty-pound laptop in Naples and got zero interviews. My uncle lets me move into his place until I found something. We shared a bathroom. He’s a very nice uncle. I pounded the pavement, tried to get as many informational interviews as possible. An internship finally came through with Disney Publishing at Hyperion Books for Children, their original character division. I loved my time in children’s publishing. I worked my way up from intern to Associate Editor. I was acquiring authors and publishing books. Around that time, though, I was walking down the street on my way to lunch when I saw a poster of Audrey Hepburn in a store window. A vision of her face on the book cover struck me as if “this must be done.”
Instead of offering the idea to an agent or a writer, I felt that maybe I could do it. Audrey Hepburn had been a role model of mine for a long time and I knew quite a bit about her life. So, I went back to my desk and wrote the first line and emailed it to myself. It took six months to open that email. By that time I knew I wanted to arrange my life to write as much as possible. I loved my job so I poured myself into it. I couldn’t do both. Some people can, I just couldn’t. I also knew I couldn’t just quit my job and go write a novel. So, I applied to MFA programs thinking that would ease whatever hesitation my parents would have about leaving my job as it is a terminal degree.
As it turns out, they were very supportive. As was the school. The University of Miami gave me a Michener Fellowship and I was on my way. I wrote my first children’s book there — a children’s biography of — who else, Audrey Hepburn — and it was bought in 2008 by HarperCollins. Its title is JUST BEING AUDREY. From there I got a second MFA in Screenwriting — a form I fell in love with. I wrote a few short films, one of which won a College Emmy Award. I worked on some features, a television series, etc. I was eventually hired as a lecturer by the University of Miami. Which is where I’m writing this interview from. I just had a second biography published about Jackie Kennedy (JUST BEING JACKIE) and sold a third children’s book about dogs. I’m also working on a feature-length film.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some things were smooth. Some not so much. I could wallpaper my office with rejection letters from journals and publications. I could also fund a really nice vacation with the entry fees I spent. But, I got a book published at 26. I knew the editor that would like my idea and she bought it and two years later (average turnaround time for a traditional picture book) it was out in the world. I had scholarships to my graduate programs which helped immensely. A writer’s greatest asset is time. All I needed (and all I still want) is time to work. So, some things definitely worked in my favor. But, some of my biggest challenges go back in time. I’m a mother of two small children. I have a husband and a house and a dog. I need to work a salaried job in order to help provide for my family. All of those things take away from my creative work. So, when you ask about the smoothness of the road — I guess it depends on which road we are talking about. Creatively I’ve had some major up and some definite challenges. But I am keeping my head down, working as much as I can. But I’m also playing tea party and dinosaurs as much as I can. Doing laundry whenever I can. Most of the time I’m a big old mess. But sometimes, the light comes through.
Margaret Cardillo – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a children’s book author.
I’m a screenwriter.
I’m a lecturer in the Department of Cinema & Interactive Media at the University of Miami.
I’m a mom and a wife.
I would say the thing I am known for is my creative work–my children’s books and film. Although when I walk across campus most people know me as a teacher.
I’m most proud of the books on my shelf, the creative work I’m still putting out, the thank you notes I get from my students at the end of the semester, and any of the very good work that came through my class. I know that’s a lot, but it’s true.
There isn’t enough room here to say what I’m proudest about with regards to my children.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Oh, this is a biggie. I think about this question very often. I ASK people this question very often. My answer changes constantly. The biggest marker for success is satisfaction. Happiness in your life. As a writer and a perfectionist, I consider myself unsuccessful. That’s what my brain tells me. It’s never enough. That’s, unfortunately, part of my process. I don’t suggest it to others. I’m trying to work on it myself. But I take a step back and look at my life and say: hey, you’ve got so much. So, so much. So many good things. My husband helps me with that: perspective, positivity, leaning back with my hands behind my head and taking a deep breath kind of moments.
But I’m a competitive, ambitious person. I want success in the tangible ways too: works that come to fruition, awards, money, recognition (not on the street, just for my work). So I think about that stuff as well. But it’s all a balancing act. I know I keep bringing it up, but being a mom is, obviously, a huge part of my life. Success there is such a different ballgame. I think that I am forced to balance things with my work in a way that redefines success. Moms get things done. They just do. We can put our heads down and do a million things. Dads can too, of course, but our society is set up in a way or at least my house is set up so that while we divide and conquer as much as we can, a million things often fall to me. And most of the time I like it that way. But I can’t go after every grant, write every single idea, enter every contest, be everywhere, support everyone — like I’d like to. So, success to me is satisfaction in my job. Whatever job I’m doing at that moment.
Contact Info:
Website: www.margaretcardillo.com
Email: margaretcardillo@gmail.com
Margaret Cardillo
An interview with Margaret Cardillo, author of Just Being Audrey
Just Being Audrey is a lovely nonfiction picture book, and like the woman it’s about, it has a certain je nais sais quoi that makes you want to read it over and over. Last week you met illustrator Julia Denos. This week, her literary counterpart. We’re so excited to welcome Margaret Cardillo to Girls of Summer today. MM
I used to live in South Florida, too. Were you always from there? Tell us a
little bit about where you live and the space where you create lovely stories
like Just Being Audrey.
I was born and raised in Naples, Florida. I am a Florida girl through and through, though I can keep up in New York no problem. I now make my home in the Coconut Grove section of Miami with my husband and dog. It’s like a jungle. We have wild peacocks on our roof and sometimes we walk around and expect a dinosaur to come out of the overgrowth. It’s beautiful and magical and full of stories all on its own. My workspace is everywhere. I get my best ideas in the weirdest places. But I do have a space in the house, which is important. It is a tiny desk in the corner of our dining room next to an enormous bookcase. I look out onto our street, which is really more like a television with all the characters (two legged, four legged) that go by. That and some tea and that’s all I need.
Audrey Hepburn is an American icon, even though she never thought of herself that way. What was it about her that made her a good subject for a picture book for young readers? Were you intimidated at all by writing about someone with such a towering reputation?
At first I just wanted to write her biography because I could picture it in my head and it was beautiful. I knew how incredible her life was and I wanted to share it with a new generation of fans. I became a fan when I was young and she was a great role model for me. (I always tease my mom that she’s lucky I like Audrey over a lot of other women I could have looked up to.) And as I wrote I realized that one of the things that makes Audrey so special is that she really used her celebrity and fame for all the right reasons. You get some of that today, but not enough. She survived a tough childhood, as an adult, she became one of the best in her field, and then she dedicated her life to helping others. She had an inspiring life and all the while maintained her grace and loveliness and elegance. She had an amazing spirit. What more could you ask for?
As far as writing about someone like her—someone so beloved—it was very important to me to do her justice in the book. Every time I felt like I couldn’t take another pass at the manuscript, I thought of her and her life and how important it is to get it right and I took another pass. Seeing people and fans respond to it in such a positive light has been extremely rewarding.
It’s obvious that a great deal of research went into this book, and it must have been a challenge to fit the story into the strict page count of a picture book. How did you research and how did you go about deciding which details to
highlight as plot points? Were there things you had to cut?
That was one of the hardest parts. I think the first version of the manuscript was 12 pages. The final was slightly fewer than 3 pages. That’s a lot of cutting. What you have to do with a children’s biography is really find the theme and the story and stick to that. You can’t fit every detail, but when you find the crux of the story of the person, you follow that line and build your writing around it. And I have to say that the first version was quite different from the last. Really, the only thing that stayed the same was the first line. But that’s all part of writing. My research consisted of reading a lot of books, reading and watching online interviews, and (the hardest part) watching and re-watching her movies. I tried to justify buying some Audrey-inspired clothing to get me in the mood, but I reigned myself in. Then, at a certain point, I had to stop researching and just write from the heart.
Were there any surprises you found out about Audrey Hepburn along the way?
Yes! I had no idea she was so tall. She was 5’7 or so. I always thought she was short like me. I also had no idea how self-deprecating she was. She never thought of herself as this beautiful, talented person—just a regular girl. I think that’s what kept her so accessible and why so many people love her. And, what surprised me most is how hard she had to work for everything. How much practice and effort she put into all aspects of her work. When you see an Audrey film, her acting looks effortless. But in fact she had worked very hard to get to that point. Now that’s talent.
Like you, I was mesmerized by Audrey Hepburn when I was a child. If you
could watch only one of her movies again, which would you choose and why?
Are you serious with this question? Please tell me this would never happen! Haha. But if I could only watch one I think it would have to be ROMAN HOLIDAY. It is such a special movie—it’s her first major Hollywood role and she won an Academy Award for it. You can just feel this fresh face breaking out—the world didn’t know what was coming! Also, I’m Italian and her tour through Rome is magical. Plus, it has one of the best Hollywood/non-Hollywood endings ever.
You were once an editor with Hyperion. Now, you’re an author. What made you switch roles? In what ways have the skills you developed as an editor helped you as an author?
I have always wanted to be a writer—since I was a little girl. And while being an editor is one of the best jobs in the world, I knew that the longer I stayed at that job and the more writers I accrued on my list, the harder it would be to leave. I felt like I was young and could be a little foolish and try an MFA program and dedicate myself to writing for two years and if it didn’t work out it was okay. Thank goodness it did. (Though writing can work out at any age—no matter what your situation is.)
As for the skills, I can still have that “editor voice” in my head when I’m writing, which is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes I need to tune that out and let myself just write and make mistakes and be cheesy and melodramatic and overwrite everything so that I can get down to the good stuff. It’s hard, but being an editor was some of the best training I could have for being a writer.
I like that Just Being Audrey celebrates the role of mothers in their daughters’ lives. In the book, you suggest that Audrey Hepburn’s mother played a big part in influencing her daughter’s outlook on fame and dignity. I notice, too,
that you dedicated this book to your own mom, referring to her as “very Audrey.” So tell us, how is your mom like Audrey?
There’s never enough you can say about moms. I’m obsessed with the Olympics and one of my favorite parts is when they pan to the moms (and dads) in the stands. My mom is so very Audrey. She’s lovely and kind and makes everyone feel special and comfortable in her presence. She also has a great fashion sense—simple and elegant. Also, she puts her family first–her family is the most important thing in her life. She has really dedicated herself to us, as Audrey did to her boys. I had lied to her about who I dedicated the book to. And then the day I was leaving for my honeymoon my parents came over to Miami to take us out to lunch. I showed her an early copy of the book and told her to open to the dedication page. Needless to say, many tissues were used that day.
The beautiful work of Julia Denos
You might still be pinching yourself at the opportunity to work with Julia Denos, whose lovely illustrations fill the pages. (Our interview with Julia is here.) How were you two paired up? What are your thoughts on how well
she captured the spirit of the woman you were writing about? In the process
of making this book, did you make changes to accommodate each other?
Yes, I think my arms are still black and blue from the pinching. The art director at HarperCollins linked us and when my editor sent me Julia’s webpage I remember opening it up and emailing her immediately and saying “I don’t care what has to be done, Julia Denos needs to illustrate this book.” Julia is a dream. Not only was she perfect for the book, but she has also become a lovely friend. I am the luckiest author to have her as the illustrator on the book. I can’t imagine the book looking any other way, she did such an amazing job. I want her to illustrate my life.
Neither of us made changes to accommodate each other that I am aware of. It really was just a perfect pairing.
Are there next projects you’d like to tell us about?
Yes, I am working on a few other picture book biographies of strong female characters. More on that soon.
Finish this sentence for me.
Strong girls…are born, but more often than not, they’re made.
Win your very own autographed copy of Just Being Audrey.
Leave a comment on this post to enter.
(We appreciate any tweets or blog mentions.)
The eeny-meeny-miny-mo drawing will be August 10, 2012.
We’ll contact the winner shortly after that.
Good luck!
Margaret Cardillo interview: 'Just Being Audrey' author on Audrey Hepburn book for kids
By GINA SALAMONE
DAILY NEWS FEATURE REPORTER |
MAR 03, 2011 AT 4:00 AM
'Just Being Audrey,' by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia, illustrates the actress' rise to fame, including her time in New York.
'Just Being Audrey,' by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia, illustrates the actress' rise to fame, including her time in New York. (Julia Denos)
Nearly two decades after her death, iconic actress Audrey Hepburn could not be more current.
Mila Kunis wore Audrey-inspired makeup to the Golden Globes. Jake Gyllenhaal called Natalie Portman "the Audrey Hepburn of our generation." And a lesbian teen character on MTV's "Skins" lusted after the actress in a recent episode.
Now, Hepburn can even be enjoyed by the kindergarten crowd with "Just Being Audrey," a new picture book by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos.
"She's still very, very much in the mainstream," says Cardillo, a 29-year-old former New York City children's book editor.
In the story, Cardillo details everything from Hepburn hiding from the Nazis as a child during World War II, to starring in "Gigi" on Broadway.
You discovered Audrey in middle school?
Yes. My mom introduced me. I needed to dress up like someone from history for our Character Parade. I don't think we discussed anybody but Audrey Hepburn. My mom loved her and we watched all her movies and I just fell in love. I went into school in a little black sheath dress and a big-rimmed hat and big sunglasses. I even bought a cigarette holder. Nobody knew who I was because everyone else was Eleanor Roosevelt or something. I was like, "I'm the best actress ever to be in Hollywood." Now, I feel like younger people know about her even more than they did then.
What is it about Audrey that makes her still relevant today?
At first, I was really charmed by her movies and style. She's put together in such a captivating way and she's so lively to look at. But after researching for the book, I realized that so many of the things that made her her transcend all of that. And it became almost a message for the book, which was just being yourself and being kind and lovely whenever possible.
What other lessons can kids learn from the book?
At so many different times in her life, she felt out of place for the way she looked or whatever. She wasn't super-curvy and couldn't wear voluptuous clothing, so she did her thing. She wore her tailored clothing and it became her signature style. She survived World War II, became this beloved actress, and then gave it up to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF. She really used her celebrity for the right reasons.
There's a large illustration of Audrey arriving in New York City to star in "Gigi." What do you know about her life here?
She was in New York — off and on, I'm sure — but really for two stretches, including that first trip. So she survived the war, works as a model and actress in Europe, and then gets this role. She was so insecure and she felt so way over her head in New York City, and then she was completely embraced. Somebody pointed out to me the other day, "You were that age (early 20s) when you moved to New York." She worked her tail off, which any 23 year-old that comes to New York and has a drive like that does. There isn't a whole lot about her going out on the town or to restaurants, because she was working.
So she adjusted to the city?
I remember seeing her picture holding the Oscar (for "Roman Holiday" in 1954) and I was like, "Ugh, what did they do with her makeup? What's with her hair?" I couldn't understand why she looked like that. After researching it, I learned she was on Broadway in a show called "Ondine," and she had come straight from her nightly performance to the Oscars to accept the award. She didn't have time to change her makeup or do her hair. She was able to change her dress and that was it. So she was absolutely a New York woman at that moment. You're hopping in taxis and just getting it done.
On the last page of the book, you mention that the "Audrey look" is still seen. What have you noticed lately?
The cropped pants, that pixie cut with a little string of pearls and big sunglasses. The little black dress from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." I know it was around before that, but when you see somebody dressed up in a little sleeveless black sheath dress and black sunglasses, you can't help but think about it. Ballet flats. Who was wearing ballet flats? Nobody, except for ballerinas. Now we all do.
QUOTE: This picture-book biography is a great addition to any collection," and one that offers a "delightful introduction to Audrey Hepburn."
CARDILLO, Margaret. Just Being Audrey. illus. by Julia Denos. unpaged, bibliog. chron. Web sites. CIP. HarperCollins/ Balzer & Bray. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-185283-1; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-185284-8. LC 2010003982.
K-Gr 3--In this delightful introduction to Audrey Hepburn, readers learn that as a child, she was gangly and imaginative, in a world of her own. When she announced that she wanted to be the prima ballerina of all of Europe, her mother told her that the world was bigger than she was, and to always be kind, a tenet that seems to have stuck with her for life. She was born into a family of some privilege (her mother was a baroness), but their small wealth was no match for the advancing Nazi troops in World War II. Along with her family and 40 others, she hid in a country house with no heat and little to eat. Through the ordeal, she kept dancing and taught the other children. As the war in Europe ended, a UN volunteer gave her a chocolate bar, an act of kindness that seemed to inspire her. After the young woman realized that she would be more suited to acting, her Cinderella career took her from London to Broadway to Hollywood, but the power in this book lies beyond her fame in the spotlight. Her generous humanitarian spirit is seen through her actions and deeds as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF as she used her celebrity as a vehicle to assist others. With a light, sweet narrative style, readers can almost picture Hepburn dancing as they turn the pages. Evocative of the period, Denos's almost impressionistic pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork is lively and colorful. This picture-book biography is a great addition to any collection.--Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL
Donnelly, Alison
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2011 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Donnelly, Alison. "Cardillo, Margaret. Just Being Audrey." School Library Journal, vol. 57, no. 4, Apr. 2011, p. 158. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A253400551/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=38f2e272. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
QUOTE: "Audrey Hepburn proves as irresistible a character in the pages of a children's book as she is in those soigne roles of the silver screen."
Just Being Audrey
Margaret Cardillo, illus, by Julia Denos. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $16.99
(32p) ISBN 978-0-06-185283-1
Audrey Hepburn proves as irresistible a character in the pages of a children's book as she is in those soigne roles of the silver screen. Denos (Grandma's Gloves) is spot-on in her watercolor portraits of Hepburn at each stage of her life; even those readers who haven't seen Sabrina, Roman Holiday, or Charade (at least not yet) will understand instantly how Hepburn's ballerina bearing, gamine chic, and openhearted worldliness made her a.one-of-a-kind star and fashion icon. Debut author Cardillo's literal, matter-of fact storytelling could have used a little more elan (especially given that her subject once spoke the urbane words of Peter Stone, Billy Wilder, and George Axelrod), but she gets her point across: "Audrey had become more than an actress; she was an inspiration. While most Hollywood starlets were curvy and wore glamorous outfits, Audrey would only be herself." And the story is packed with fascinating details about Hepburn's upbringing in WWII Europe and foray into acting. Any grownup who bemoans the way Katy Perry et al. dominate contemporary popular culture should buy this for their favorite girl--ASAP. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)
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"Just Being Audrey." Publishers Weekly, vol. 257, no. 48, 6 Dec. 2010, p. 47. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A243956475/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=345c0aca. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
QUOTE: "gets a stylish treatment... [in this] enticing introduction."
Just Being Jackie.
By Margaret Cardillo. Illus. by Julia Denos.
May 2018. 32p. HarperCollins/Balzer+Bray, $17.99 (9780062485021). 973. Gr. 1-3.
The life of Jacqueline Kennedy gets a stylish treatment here, but as the book shows, "She was steel under all that beauty and style." Beginning with her girlhood love of horses, it follows Jackie as she travels, works for a newspaper, meets and marries John Kennedy, becomes an international icon as First Lady, and finds a life as a book editor following JFK's assassination. The text moves briskly but is sometimes careless. For instance, it was in France that President Kennedy called himself the man who accompanied Jackie to Paris, not in the U.S., as Cardillo states; it's a stretch to say that before her restoration of the White House, "America's most historic home had no history in it"; and an unlikely thought attributed to Jackie, "I'm going to lead the country," is not sourced. But the text does reveal her spirit, and readers will be attracted by watercolor-and-ink pictures that charm throughout. Kennedy's sparkle is apparent, whether she's reading or chatting with dignitaries. A two-page spread of Jackie in different outfits will make fashionistas swoon. An enticing introduction.--Ilene Cooper
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 American Library Association
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Cooper, Ilene. "Just Being Jackie." Booklist, vol. 114, no. 14, 15 Mar. 2018, p. 34. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A533094505/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=16aeb2ed. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
QUOTE: One of America's most elegant first ladies is introduced to a new generation of readers in this charming picture book."
"lovely literary tribute that will inspire readers to want to know more."
Cardillo, Margaret JUST BEING JACKIE Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins (Children's Informational) $17.99 5, 1 ISBN: 978-0-06-248502-1
One of America's most elegant first ladies is introduced to a new generation of readers in this charming picture book.
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was many things: style icon, journalist, book editor, art lover, historian, and shrewd politician. Cardillo pays homage to all of the enigmatic first lady's many facets by depicting her for young audiences as the Everygirl who happened to become a legend. The story opens with an image of Jackie not as a poised debutante but as a scrappy young equestrienne who is undaunted by the occasional spill from her horse. The courageous wind-swept girl with the dirt-smudged cheeks is eminently approachable, and as she matures into a beautiful woman, readers see that inner fortitude carry Jackie through the White House, unbelievable grief, and an inspiring journey of self-discovery. The author's message is expertly aided by Denos' stunning illustrations, which were created with pen, ink, pencil, and Photoshop and appear as if they came straight out of a sketchbook for Vogue. Whether Jackie is standing in front of the Eiffel Tower dazzled by the scenery or bowed in stately grief in her widow's weeds, the story told in this book is that of a woman in love: with her husband, with the City of Light, with books, and with life. What an inspiring tale indeed.
A lovely literary tribute that will inspire readers to want to know more. (author's note, illustrator's note, timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)
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"Cardillo, Margaret: JUST BEING JACKIE." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2018. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A528959870/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ee54a792. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs.
Margaret Cardillo, illus. by Zachariah Ohora. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06-290631-1
Dogs frequently stay at home when their humans go out for an extended period. What if the tables were turned? Cardillo (Just Being Jackie) and Ohora (Who Wet My Pants?) muse on this possibility through the wonderings of two children left behind for the day. Watching their dogs board a bus for work ("How could they leave us behind?"), the kids--one with brown skin and pigtail puffs, the other white with freckles--report on their own needs. But as readers can see, while the humans grow bored or get into mischief (unrolling toilet paper across the bathroom, for example), the hounds are doing important work: acting as therapy and service dogs, rescuing stranded mountaineers, delivering mail by sled--even running for mayor. While the narration is ostensibly from the human perspective, it's not always clear whether the visuals follow the dogs' jobs or the humans' lives. But Ohora's doggy acrylic illustrations will keep readers' eyes on the page--rendered with flat, bright colors and a quirky black line that adds both visual ballast and feathery textures, the vignettes show hounds fulfilling their roles with a sturdy commitment and no fuss. The scenes showing canine morning and evening commutes represent lovely moments of deadpan humor, and each image reminds readers of what they love best about their pooches: their Tenacity and steadfastness, whether at home or on the job. "Barkmatter" provides more information on canine careers. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Stephen Barr; Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Sean McCarthy, Sean McCarthy Literary. (June)
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"Dogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs." Publishers Weekly, vol. 268, no. 16, 19 Apr. 2021, p. 83. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A662131936/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=31d97fd8. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.
QUOTE: "solid choice for dog lovers and those who want to better appreciate how dogs help humans."
Cardillo, Margaret DOGS AT WORK Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins (Children's None) $17.99 6, 22 ISBN: 978-0-06-290631-1
Children lament time apart from their hardworking dogs.
“There they go. Off to who knows where. / What do they do all day? And how could they leave us behind?” So lament a Black child with Afro puffs and a White child with braids looking out their window at dogs on their way to work. All of the dogs stand on their hind legs, looking very much like adult humans (complete with briefcase, purse, or headphones) on their way to work. The illustrations respond to the children’s lament by chronicling dogs’ many jobs (jobs that dogs actually have in real life): therapy dogs, lobster-diving dogs, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, a small-town mayor, and more (further information is given in the “barkmatter” at the end of the book). The inclusion of “mom dogs” as a dog job is wonderful. There is great ambiguity in who is speaking in the accompanying text—is it the dogs who need to cuddle, eat, and so forth, or the children?—which may lead to some confusion for readers. OHora’s signature boldly outlined acrylic paintings present very expressive characters, dogs and humans alike, and are charmingly whimsical. The joy in the illustrations is palpable, and seeing the many ways dogs help humans will be especially touching to dog lovers. Many dog breeds are represented along with children of different races and abilities. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A solid choice for dog lovers and those who want to better appreciate how dogs help humans. (Picture book. 3-6)
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"Cardillo, Margaret: DOGS AT WORK." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2021, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A661545761/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ba58cb1c. Accessed 12 Oct. 2021.