Children's author Anne Bustard on her favorite picture book biographies and a few collected biographies, too, birthday by birthday.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
May 10 Birthday: Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire, dancer
May 10, 1889-June 22, 1987
Footwork: The Story of Fred and Adele Astaire by Roxane Orgill, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch (Candlewick, 2007)
As young children, Adele was tapped as the “real dancer” but in time it was clear that Fred had an affinity for dancing, too. On the road with the vaudeville circuit, Fred and Adele were popular performers. After a two-year break, they returned to the stage and the act got better and better. Eventually Adele left and Fred went to Hollywood where he danced into the hearts of movie-goers everywhere.
Time.com offers this tribute: Fred Astaire: 1899-1987: The Great American Flyer.