Botticelli's Bed & Breakfast [Hardcover]

Jan Pienkowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 1997

Open the covers of this unique book to form a spectacularly zany mansion in which 56 great works of art are waiting to be found. The treasures are everywhere, from Mona Lisa climbing a ladder into the kitchen to Monet's Water Lilies freshening the toilet bowl. A tongue in cheek, house tour booklet offers amusing hints for readers as they go about identifying masterpieces by the likes of Bosch, Goya, Monet, Rodin, van Gogh, and Whistler. (The solution key is tucked away behind a secret panel in the library.) This is an irresistible and wholly original gift for art lovers -- or for anyone who appreciates clever and humorous entertainment. It is sure to reveal new treasures every time it is opened.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Pienkowski, an award-winning illustrator of children's books, takes the art of the pop-up book to a new level of ingenuity and intricacy with this witty visual treasure hunt. Fifty-six great artworks are scattered through the ten old, sometimes haunted, rooms of his creation, Botticelli's Bed & Breakfast. The Honeymoon Suite is occupied by the Arnolfinis (Vermeer's young bride and groom), while Vermeer himself can be found painting in Van Gogh's attic upstairs (Mr. Van Gogh being absent due to a ``shaving accident''). Whistler's mother (``our oldest resident,'' claims the guidebook) sits in the library in front of the TV, watching the Da Vinci Fitness Training program, while Michelangelo's David, dressed in skivvies, brushes his teeth in the bathroom. Pull-out tabs, secret doors, and underground hideaways add to the whimsy and wit of Pienkowski's inventiveness. Take the guided tour yourself. And if you can't locate all 56 artworks, there's a key to identify them--ah, but where is the key hidden? -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review

...a tour de force of witty (and word-free) erudition. -- The New York Times Book Review, Deborah Solomon

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (March 11, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684835231
• ISBN-13: 978-0684835235
• Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 8.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Food & Lodging > Bed & Breakfast

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best christmas gift I have ever received, December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Botticelli's Bed & Breakfast (Hardcover)

A delightful foldout book of art masterpieces exhibited in an entertaining and tongue-in-check layout.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting format, June 20, 1999

By 

"rukhus" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Botticelli's Bed & Breakfast (Hardcover)

My Advanced Art teacher was thrilled with this pop up and wanted to know where I got it in order to use it as a teaching tool. It appeals to both the young and old by educating the reader about art through a fun and artsy pop-up tour.

5.0 out of 5 stars Work of art, January 23, 2010

By 

Mark S. Tillman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Botticelli's Bed & Breakfast (Hardcover)

This pop-up book is a beautiful work of art. Ties great masterpieces into an unexpected journey.