'Amazing Grapes' was Pulitzer-winning illustrator Jules Feiffer's final book
In NPR's Book of the Day, the highly accomplished illustrator and author Jules Feiffer is celebrated for his latest creative work at age 95: the middle-grade graphic novel "Amazing Grapes." The story, inspired by President Obama's memorable rendition of "Amazing Grace," follows a family's journey through another dimension guided by a two-headed swan after the father's departure.
Feiffer, who won a Pulitzer Prize and illustrated the classic children's book "The Phantom Tollbooth," reflects on the growing relevance of play and creativity in his life as he embraces his later years. Despite health challenges, the nonagenarian writer continues to draw, write his memoir, and find fulfillment in creative pursuits with the support of his wife.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 22, 2025 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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Jules Feiffer: Accomplished Illustrator and Author
Jules Feiffer is an acclaimed artist, illustrator, and writer who has had a decades-long career. According to the podcast, he has been a professional artist since age 17 and won a Pulitzer Prize. He is known for illustrating the children's book "The Phantom Tollbooth." Demonstrating continued creativity into his later years, at age 95 Feiffer wrote his first middle-grade graphic novel called "Amazing Grapes."
Inspiration Behind "Amazing Grapes"
The podcast describes how Feiffer's graphic novel "Amazing Grapes" was inspired by President Obama's rendition of "Amazing Grace" at a funeral, which moved Feiffer deeply. The story follows a family and their adventures after the father leaves, guided by a two-headed swan. This character takes two children to meet their younger mother in another dimension.
Feiffer on Play, Creativity, and Fulfillment with Age
As Feiffer has aged, he reflects on the growing relevance of play in his life and work, a quality he remembers from his mother despite her hardships. Despite health issues like macular degeneration, the podcast states that Feiffer aims to fully embrace his remaining years through creative work, making the most of his privilege to pursue his passions. He continues drawing, writing memoir, and feeling fulfilled thanks to support from his wife.
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Actionables
- You can explore your own creative potential by starting a small, daily art project, like a sketch or a short story, to cultivate a habit of regular artistic expression. By dedicating just 10 minutes each day to create something, you'll not only develop your skills but also potentially discover a new passion or way to communicate your ideas, much like Feiffer did throughout his career.
- Consider writing a letter to your future self, reflecting on your current life, aspirations, and what playfulness means to you, to be opened in a decade. This exercise can help you connect with your future self and serve as a reminder of your evolving perspective on life and creativity, inspired by Feiffer's reflection on the importance of play as he aged.
- Start a 'creative support' partnership with a friend or family member where you regularly share your creative work with each other for feedback and encouragement. This mutual support can be a source of motivation and fulfillment, akin to the support Feiffer received from his wife, and can help you overcome challenges like self-doubt or lack of inspiration.
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Feiffer's Background and Career
Jules Feiffer’s career spans remarkable achievements, from winning a Pulitzer Prize to illustrating beloved children’s literature.
Feiffer's Career: Professional Artist Since Age 17
Feiffer has been a professional artist since the age of 17, drawing and writing for a living in a career that has seen both longevity and critical acclaim.
Feiffer's Pulitzer-Winning Work, Illustrator of the Phantom Tollbooth
Among his significant contributions, Feiffer was the illustrator of the cherished children’s book, "The Phantom Tollbooth," adding a visual charm to the literary classic.
Feiffer's Passion and Dedication in Later Years
Even as he advanced in age, Feiffer did not let h ...
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Feiffer's Background and Career
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Actionables
- Start a creative habit by dedicating 15 minutes each day to a new artistic skill. Just as Feiffer began his career young and maintained it through the years, you can cultivate your own creative longevity by consistently practicing, whether it's drawing, writing, or another form of art. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus solely on your chosen skill without distractions. Over time, this can lead to a significant body of work and potentially a new passion or career path.
- Create a "Later-Life Creativity" journal to document new ideas and projects you'd like to explore in the future. Inspired by Feiffer's ability to produce a graphic novel at 95, use this journal to brainstorm and keep track of creative endeavors you're interested in pursuing, regardless of your current age. This can serve as a motivational tool to remind you that creativity doesn't have an expiration date and can be a guide when you're ready to start a new project.
- Establish a personal "Pulitzer Challenge" where you set ...
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Feiffer's Graphic Novel "Amazing Grapes": Inspiration and Creation
"Amazing Grapes," a graphic novel by Feiffer, draws inspiration from a soulful moment and spins it into an imaginative children's story.
Book's Premise Inspired by Obama's "Amazing Grace" Rendition
Moved by President Obama's rendition of "Amazing Grace" at a funeral, Feiffer found connection in this poignant moment. The performance struck a chord with many, and Feiffer used this inspiration as a foundation for his creative process.
Feiffer's Adaptation of "Amazing Grace" Into "Amazing Grapes"
With a playful twist on words, Feiffer morphed the iconic song "Amazing Grace" into "Amazing Grapes," laying the groundwork for his narrative. This wordplay served not only as a title but also weaved into the theme of the story.
Family's Adventures and Explorations After Father's Departure
Feiffer tells a tale of a family redefining their life after the father figure exits the scene, leading to improvement and growth.
Two-head ...
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Feiffer's Graphic Novel "Amazing Grapes": Inspiration and Creation
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Actionables
- You can explore the power of wordplay by creating a short story or poem that repurposes a well-known song or phrase. Start by choosing a song that resonates with you emotionally, then change key words to alter the theme while maintaining the original rhythm or structure. For example, if you're moved by the song "Lean on Me," you might write a story titled "Learn from Me," where the characters share life lessons instead of offering support.
- Encourage personal growth by writing a letter to your future self. Reflect on a challenging time in your life, similar to the family's experience in the story, and write about how you hope to grow from it. Set a date to open the letter, such as one year from now, and store it in a safe place. This exercise can help you set intentions for your personal development and provide a future reminder of your resilience.
- Use art to navigate life changes by cre ...
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Feiffer's Perspective on Play and Creativity With Age
Feiffer discusses his evolving relationship with play and creativity, emphasizing its growing relevance in his life as he ages.
Feiffer's Focus on Play and Adventure in Life and Work
Feiffer's Growing Sense of Relevant Play
Feiffer finds his sense of play more pertinent to his daily life as he ages and stresses the significance of maintaining one's sense of play. He reflects on his mother's playfulness, inherited by him despite her hard life and their complex relationship. This sense of play has become more evident with time, and he credits remembering his mother’s lightheartedness as the essence of his continued existence.
Feiffer On Making Remaining Time Fulfilling
Feiffer speaks to his intent on using his remaining time to its fullest potential, being productive, and enjoying life despite health setbacks, including hospital stays and heart attacks. He is inspired by the beauty of his home and surroundings to make the most of his experiences.
Feiffer's Use of Privilege as Creative Inspiration
He continues to express himsel ...
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Feiffer's Perspective on Play and Creativity With Age
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can foster creativity by setting up a 'play hour' in your daily routine where you engage in an activity purely for enjoyment, such as sketching, writing poetry, or building with Lego, without any goal other than to have fun and explore your creative side.
- By dedicating time to play, you allow yourself to tap into a childlike sense of wonder and creativity that can often be stifled by the responsibilities of adult life. For example, you might start a sketchbook where you draw whatever comes to mind, without judgment or the intention to share it. This can help you reconnect with the joy of creating for its own sake, much like Feiffer's reflection on his mother's playfulness.
- You can enhance your appreciation for your surroundings by starting a gratitude journal where you note down things in your home or neighborhood that inspire you or make you feel at ease.
- This practice can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your environment, encouraging a mindset that finds inspiration in the everyday. For instance, you might write about the way the light filters through your window in the morning or the comfort of your favorite armchair. This can help you cultivate a deeper connection to your personal space, much like Feiffer's inspiration from his home.
- You can create a support network by reaching out to friends or joining ...
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