Claude Monet: Sunshine and Waterlilies FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Brad" explores the ups and downs of van Gogh's life and art in this colorful report, featuring Brad's funny cartoons alongside reproductions of classic paintings like Starry Night.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
This is a "Smart About Art" book, presented in the form of a report by a fictitious boy named Steven Packard. His class has been studying famous artists and their teacher, Ms. Brandt, gives an assignment. Each student must write a report on one artist. Steven had visited the art museum in Boston with his grandmother and been impressed with the paintings of Claude Monet. He thought it was cool that the term "Impressionism" was chosen to describe a style of painting because of Monet's work titled, Impression: Sunrise. The book is filled with illustrations showing the magnificent art of the famous painter and drawings by the "student." Basic information about the life of Monet and his dedication to his art is provided. Most interestingly, the author manages to convey the sensitivity of the artist, and readers may begin to gain an understanding and appreciation of his style. Although the approach may appear simplistic to adults, this book serves as a good introduction for young students to the world of the artist. 2001, Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Putman, $14.89 and $5.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford0448426137
School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-The conceit behind these biographies is that they were written by elementary-grade students as reports on the painters. Each book opens with a letter from their teacher, "Ms. Brandt," outlining some questions the student might want to think about when preparing the assignment: why did you pick this artist; if you could ask him or her three questions what would they be; and did you learn anything that surprised you? Unfortunately, the end results are cluttered pages and possibly confusing content. While each book includes facts about the subject's life (birth date and place, childhood, work, etc.), it also incorporates little bits of information about the child who is writing the report. For example, Kristin, the "author" of Degas, includes her own self-portrait next to the artist's. The material presented on each subject is strictly biographical; there is no discussion of the artists' technique or place in art history. Colorful pages and lettering highlight the many reproductions, photographs, childlike drawings, and snippets of text. The "Getting to Know the World's Great Artists" series (Children's) presents solid factual information along with reproductions. However, for an engaging introduction to an artist by a fictional character, steer readers to Christina Bj rk's Linnea in Monet's Garden (R & S, 1987) or Neil Waldman's appealing The Starry Night (Boyds Mills, 2001).-Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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