Product Description

In A Bird Or Two Le Tord introduces young readers to the beloved painter, Henri Matisse. Her delightful illustrations capture the spirit and style of Matisses art.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #457053 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .34" h x 10.31" w x 11.22" l, 1.02 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Le Tord here does for Matisse what she did for Claude Monet in A Blue Butterfly: she bends her watercolor style to incorporate suggestions of Matisse's famous works, and her scant, poetic text tells readers just enough to kindle an appreciation for Matisse's genius. The artist is already old and accomplished when he is introduced here, newly arrived in Nice and influenced by the extraordinary light. His colors change; his friends say, "He paints/ the sunshine/ everyday./.../ He works/ joyfully,/ with a light/ heart." Le Tord's sun-steeped art brings out that lightness of heart: her portraits of Matisse radiate his happiness and sense of play. While her versions of his paintings are more a blending of her style and his (as opposed to imitation), they capture Matisse's optimism. She doesn't give much in the way of facts (not even saying where, exactly, Nice is located), but when she declares that "Matisse/ made us/ 'hear'/ with our/ eyes/ the music/ he painted/ in his/ pictures," her meaning comes through loud and clearAthere is music in her work, too. All ages. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-This lovely tribute to the father of modern art begins with his move to Nice, where he created some of his most joyful paintings, until his death at 84. The book is composed of simple statements about his later life and artwork-"Because of the delicate and bright sun of Nice, Matisse's colors changed." Occasional quotes from the painter or from his friends illuminate the joy he took in all the arts-music, dance, sculpture, and, of course, painting and paper collage. Masterful illustrations filled with the rich colors, sparkling light, and bold shapes that the artist loved echo his vision of life. This beautiful creation allows children to experience two gifted artists-Matisse and Le Tord.
Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Less a story than an analysis of Matisse's art, particularly after his move to Nice, this companion to A Blue Butterfly (1995), on Monet, also combines visual recasting of selected works with poetic commentary: ``To his color palette he added the bluest sapphire blue he could imagine. And with it he painted the Mediterranean Sea.'' Using a free style of brushwork that evokes Matisse's own joy and energy, Le Tord alternates her versions of his art with scenes of the man himself, always nattily dressed, always industriously making art. This perceptive personal tribute will enhance readers' appreciation for Matisse's work; they won't mind going elsewhere for biographical details, and reproductions of his actual paintings, sculpture, and collages. (Picture book. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.