Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #867812 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
An orphaned boy befriends Van Gogh in Arles, in a picture book illustrated with swirling settings reminiscent of the artist's paintings. Ages 6-12.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3--Jacques, an orphaned potwasher in Arles, makes friends with the artist-lodger Vincent. The painter's odd ways have made him feared by the villagers, but his kindness toward a cat endears him to Jacques. Their friendship grows, and Vincent begins to explain what and how he sees. To the lonely boy he becomes a "brother of the heart." Jacques hopes for Vincent's success, but only one painting sells. The man departs, but he has left paintings in lieu of payment and arranged for Jacques to go to school. The boy's favorite painting--The Starry Night--patches the ceiling above his bed and, looking at it, he realizes that his lost friend "is not lost at all." This simple story is illustrated by page after page of Van Gogh-like paintings. Although none is actually a copy of any particular work, recognizable elements of the artist's style--impasto, haloes, discrete brushstrokes--distinguish them all. The subject matter is also familiar: cornfield, snow, sunflower, narrow red bed, flowering trees, rustic chair, etc. The intense palette of reds, oranges, blues, and purples also echoes the master. Purists may argue that near-Van Gogh is no substitute for the real thing, but this appealing book could introduce the techniques and themes of the impressionists in a pleasantly accessible way.

Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.