Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: The Story of a Painting [Hardcover]

Hugh Brewster (Author), John Singer Sargent (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Young Kate Millet is the model for the painting John Singer Sargent is working on in her parents' garden. Everyone says she is posing well, even though she finds it very hard to stand still. Then, one of her father's friends arrives with his two daughters. They're older, taller and have lighter hair than Kate. Sargent decides to use them as models instead. Kate is devastated. Based on numerous letters and recollections from the period, Hugh Brewster's story describes Kate's disappointment, the many difficulties experienced by the painter through the long artistic process, Kate's reconciliation with him and how she is immortalized on canvas after all. Illustrated with over 35 of Sargent's paintings and sketches, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose recreates the 1880s milieu of the famed American painter during an extended trip to England, and the thoughts and days of a girl who was there alongside him.

Editorial Reviews

Review

... a fascinating story ... Brewster makes accessible the rarefied world of art ... Sargent’s work ... offer a feast for the eyes.

A great introduction to the world of art ...

... well-researched and engaging volume ...

This is an exquisite book, gently written and beautifully produced ... one of the most charming and instructive of art-making stories ... compelling, essential reading for anyone of any age who is interested in painting ...

About the Author

Hugh Brewster has written and produced several critically acclaimed titles, such as Inside the Titanic, Anastasia's Album and On Juno Beach. His books have won him a Silver Birch Award, a Red Cedar Award, and the Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554531373
• ISBN-13: 978-1554531370
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Art > Painting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical -a great read for little girls, September 8, 2007

By 

J. Szeto-meiers - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: The Story of a Painting (Hardcover)

The book is well written and magical. It is now my daughter's favourite book and it has become one of her " must-read" before bed. The storyline is interesting and well thought out. What a great way to introduce our young generation to art and history.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose:The Story of a Painting, September 12, 2007

By 

Laurie McGaw - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: The Story of a Painting (Hardcover)

This book is a treasure! For children, and adults too, it's a charming, authentic view into the world of John Singer Sargent: the artistic genius. (Sargent's work inspires me, as an artist, on a daily basis.) Hugh Brewster has succeeded in making the story natural and real...the voice of young Kate is convincing. Beautifully designed by Gordon Sibley, it is a perfect gift book for art lovers of all ages. As an illustrator, I have had the pleasure of working with both Hugh and Gord on a number of books for children, including the award-winning 'Polar The Titanic Bear', and more recently 'African Princess'. Congratulations on creating another winner!