Lee Mendelson (1933–2019)

This is a book for fans of the Peanuts and especially A Charlie Brown Christmas. I am a big fan and even went to David Benoit’s Charlie Brown Christmas jazz concert this past year. This book explains how the first Peanuts cartoon came to be and the doubts the producers had when it was completed. I think it surprised everyone involved how much a big hit it has become. There are interviews with Lee Mendelson and Bill Menendez. There are also remembrances with some of the children involved. Also included in this 192 page book are the sheet music to “Christmas Time is Here” and Linus and Lucy. And finally, the entire script with illustrations complete the book. I enjoyed it but was disappointed that this is a reprint of a book that was published thirteen years ago.… (meer)

I have been a fan of Charlie Brown for most of my life. Christmas doesn't seem like Christmas until I've watched A Charlie Brown Christmas on television. So you can imagine my excitement when I received this book chronicling the making of the show. This book doesn't really go in depth about the Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, but it's more of a behind the scenes look at how this cartoon came into being.

This book contains interviews from some of the people who worked closely with Schulz as well as reflections from some of the people who worked on A Charlie Brown Christmas. And while all that is interesting to read, I found the rough sketches, the illustrated script, and the music from the television show just as fascinating. There is something about the simplicity of these characters that speaks to the heart of millions of people. This show has been on the air for almost 50 years and there is a good reason for it.

If you're a fan of this show like I am, then you'll want to read this book. It's perfect for all ages. The younger kids will enjoy reading the illustrated script, while the older ones will enjoy reading about the making of a tradition.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/12/review-charlie-brown-christmas-making.htm...… (meer)