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"I Know a lot of Things" by Ann & Paul Rand

Author:

Ann & Paul Rand

Publisher:

Chronicle 2009

Reviewed by:

John Stewig, Center for Children's Literature, Carthage College

Paul Rand was at the forefront of commercial design when this was first published in 1956.  Ann Rand’s simple text is a catalogue of unrelated things, ie:  “I know a cat goes meow,” follows “I know when I look in the mirror what I see is me.”  To illustrating his wife’s words, Paul Rand brought the bold colors, crisp edges, and simplified forms which still look so fresh here, nearly 50 years later.  Earlier, Chronicle also republished their book, “Little 1” with the same careful attention to fidelity to the original and commitment to quality bookmaking.  The opaque matte paper used sets off the generous amount of white space which is a hallmark of Rand’s art, here, as in the advertising art for which he was recognized.