Synopses & Reviews
Claude Monet (1840andndash;1926) was the famous French painter who created a grand and beautiful garden in Giverny, France, filling it with irises, poppies, roses, and, of course, water lilies, which he celebrated in his vast and glorious paintings. This new view of Monet and his garden will delight children and gently teach them about his art.
The book tells how the Impressionist artist arrived at his garden; about the bright Japanese prints he collected that inspired him; about his famous visitors; how he painted outdoors in all weathers; and about his gardeners, who had to leave Giverny to go to war. Spread by spread, the garden is explained and built up in Ascariandrsquo;s and Valentinisandrsquo;s original illustrations that take Monetandrsquo;s work as their starting point and reimagine it in stunning and unusual ways.
Review
andquot;This import is a refreshing graphic-novel-inflected collaboration by two living artists about a third... The spare text is well-paced with carefully selected details. Illustrations feature strong, black graphic lines and wonderful flat expanses of color that echo the Japanese prints that inspired the impressionists. The real star here is the garden. Ascari and Valentinis help readers see Monetand#39;s vision and watch the garden develop and grow... A handsome, appealing, informative look at an artist who continues to fascinate.andquot;andnbsp;
Synopsis
Young readers will learn how Claude Monet came to paint trains as well as how he forever changed the minds of critics about his art and about the Impressionists in general. When his nine-year-old son raves over trains passing by in the countryside, Monet wishes his own art could excite critics as much as trains captivate his son. The book explains his painting technique, how critics viewed him and the other Impressionists, and how he came to paint trains.
Jos. A. Smith's beautiful illustrations are paired with P. I. Maltbie's comprehensive text to create an inspiring tale of Monet. The book also includes an author's note, reproductions of some of Monet's paintings, a time line, a list of North American museums that house Monet's paintings, a bibliography, and an index.
"A handsome and child-friendly introduction to the Impressionist master. The narrative works well, and much information is thoughtfully, accessibly presented." -Kirkus Reviews
"Smith expertly illuminates the changing landscape of an evolving world, as Maltbie's thoughtful story of inspiration and imagination highlights a less remembered portion of Monet's work." -Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Young readers will learn how Claude Monet came to paint trains as well as how he forever changed the minds of critics about his art. Includes an Author's Note and reproductions of some of Monet's paintings. Full color.
About the Author
P. I. Maltbie writes biographical stories and articles focusing on issues related to disabilities. She lives in Long Beach, California.
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Jos. A. Smith is a well-known illustrator of childrenand#8217;s books, including Gregor Mendel. He is a professor of fine arts at Pratt Institute. He lives in Easton, Pennsylvania. Visit him at www.josasmith.com.