Synopses & Reviews
An inspiration to anyone who's ever felt judged!
"One day the world is a peaceful, lovely landscape painting... The next day - BLAM! - Pablo bursts through the canvas, paintbrush in hand, ready to paint something fresh and new."
Pablo Picasso may have been one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, but that doesn't mean he painted what people wanted him to paint! In fact, some people hated his paintings, and called them "ugly!" and "terrible!" -- something many kids can relate to. But Picasso didn't listen to all those people, and kept on working the way he wanted to work, until he created something so new, so different... that people didn't know what to say!
For every young artist who's drawn something other kids think is "ugly," this story of rebellion and creativity is sure to inspire.
Review
Winter resists the good for you” air of some picture-book biographies in this dynamic reimagining of Picassos rocket trip to the top of the 20th-century art world, while Hawkes is energized rather than intimidated by the challenge of painting the great painter
. By dramatizing Picassos development rather than merely recounting it, Winter keeps readers fascinated, and by making Picasso a superherohe bursts right through the canvas of a serene landscape on the second pagehe dispels any notion of art as tired or irrelevant.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
Using an innovative and offbeat approach, Winter provides glimpses of the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication that ruled the artists world. In covering his early years (his experimentation with style, perspective, and color were not always appreciated), the author delivers a pungent message to todays young artists: dont be discouraged if your creative efforts are criticized
Hawkes matches Winters storytelling rhythm, supplying vitality and intensity to the spreads with colorful scenes of Paris, people of the time, and fascinating renditions of Picassos own work. This book is a boon for art teachers and especially classroom teachers and librarians working to bring an artistic presence and sensibility into childrens lives.” -- School Library Journal, starred review
Synopsis
"One day the world is a peaceful, lovely landscape painting... The next day - BLAM - Pablo bursts through the canvas, paintbrush in hand, ready to paint something fresh and new."
Pablo Picasso may have been one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, but that doesn't mean he painted what people wanted him to paint In fact, some people hated his paintings, and called them "ugly " and "terrible " -- something many kids can relate to. But Picasso didn't listen to all those people, and kept on working the way he wanted to work, until he created something so new, so different... that people didn't know what to say
For every young artist who's drawn something other kids think is "ugly," this story of rebellion and creativity is sure to inspire.
About the Author
Jonah Winter has written many exciting picture book biographies for children, with subjects that include Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Barack Obama, and Dizzy Gillespie. He lives in Pittsburgh, PA.
Kevin Hawkes is the illustrator of over 40 books for children, including WESLANDIA and LIBRARY LION, a New York Times bestseller. He lives in southern Maine with his wife and children.