McCarthy, Meghan. Action! How Movies Began. Meghan McCarthy, Illus. Non-fiction. Simon & Schuster/P. Wiseman, 08/2022. [48]pp. $18.99. 978-1-5344-5230-5. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES 1-4.
This concise and clear look at how movies were invented traces the development of celluloid film and cameras through the silent era to modern day movies. The author includes creators from both the United States (Edison) and France (Melies and the Lumiere brothers). Often the book compares a common element like stunts in both silent films and contemporary films by showing two scenes side-byside. Cartoonish, full-color illustrations are used, but it may have been more effective to use actual stills from the films to demonstrate these concepts. Back matter includes an extensive author’s note with some unusual trivia, a bibliography, and a few small b&w photos.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool