Customer Reviews

Bonjour, Mr. Satie

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bonjour, Mr. Satie is a wonderful book for children. As readers wait to hear the outcome of the story, they will find de Paola's book anything but dull. The book combines de Paola's usual talent for telling stories and illustrating them with flair with a glimpse into realistic events at Gertrude's salon. Children don't need to know Gertrude to enjoy the story, but when reading this story to them, you may want to tell them that Satie, Pablo (Picasso), Alice (Toklas), and Henri (Matisse) are real people who painted, composed, and wrote. Tell children that Alice made a cookbook, that Pablo painted a famous portrait of Gertrude, and that Gertrude wrote a poem about Pablo. Use this opportunity to expose children to paintings by Picasso and Matisse. Bonjour, Mr. Satie should be read because of its valuable lesson for children to appreciate difference and diversity in their lives and to encourage others to look at things (art and people) as different instead of good and bad.

I first read this book as a child, but picked it up again recently. My English class was researching Paris in the 1920s so I brought in the book. Not only is it an interesting story by the excellent tomie dePaola, but it is also educational. For a special kick, read the index in the back and you'll see that Ernest Hemingway, Isadora Duncan, James Joyce and other famous people are represented in the illustrations.

To some degree this book may help towards less exclusion. This is a world of exclusion, exclusivity, amidst dwindling tolerance. As with many great stories it can read read at many levels and depths. It is pure art. One of many lessons is yes people must express themselves but is it not possible to be
both realistic as well as kind. The book if read is a good first step in many potential directions. Of course not everyone in Paris is similar but the book is relating how there may be a greater interest in some populous areas for art, sports or another passion. The ending seems just right. adults as well as children without judgement. What could be more inclusive? Is it not possible to see and express differently? This wonderful book may spark and or solidify
many interests, just be a little dream or exactly that which is on the surface. It is pure art.

We had to pull this out again after our daughter returned from Paris! Possibly was an early influence on her decision to study French!