Claude Monet: Sunshine and Waterlilies »

"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.

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 Ford<%ISBN%>0448426137