Degas and the Little Dancer [Hardcover]

Laurence Anholt (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Many years ago, Marie hoped to be a famous ballerina, but because her family had too little money for lessons she began modeling at the ballet school. The painter for whom she modeled was the artist, Edgar Degas. As Degas' figure of The Little Dancer took shape, Marie began to feel sympathy for the bad-tempered artist. When the sculpture was finished, thousands of art lovers came to see the statue, making Marie the most famous dancer of all. Here is an exquisite introduction to the life of a great nineteenth-century French artist, with beautiful impressionistic illustrations and reproductions of Degas' own work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Laurence Anholt has created a gorgeous picture story book that explores the background of Marie and how she became Degas' model Daily Express Art comes to life! The 'real' paintings mesh cleverly with Anholt's lively illustrations Mail on Sunday --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
Edgar Degas

Marie dreams of becoming the most famous ballerina in the world, but it is hard to find enough money for lessons. At last she begins modeling for the artist Edgar Degas, well-known for his paintings of dancers and horses and for his fiery temper. When his beautiful sculpture of "The Little Dancer" is finished, Marie's dream comes true.

Complete with reproductions of Degas' work, this is another inspirational story from Laurence Anholt's bestselling series, celebrating some of the world's greatest artists and the real children who knew them. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; First U.S. Edition edition (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812065832
• ISBN-13: 978-0812065831
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Laurence Anholt is the author and illustrator of several childrenÂ’ books about famous artists, all available in North America from BarronÂ’s. They include Degas and the Little Dancer, Leonardo and the Flying Boy, The Magical Garden of Claude Monet, and van Gogh and the Sunflowers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars charming introduction into art for youngsters, December 15, 2003

By 

Shelley Gammon "Geek" (Kaufman, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Degas and the Little Dancer (Hardcover)

This book serves more than one purpose. It is a short, but entertaining read for a child or for a parent to read to their children. The story is about Marie, a young girl in France who is loved by her poor, but hard-working parents. They work long hours to save money to send her to ballet school - as it is her dream to become the world's most famous ballerina.

When her father becomes ill and can no longer afford to pay for her classes, the famous artist Edgar Degas offers to pay her for modeling for him. He is mean, short-tempered and impatient with Marie, making her hold poses for hours until her neck aches.

One night, however, she finds out just a little of what is under the surface of Degas' rough exterior and feels sorry for him, giving him her long hair ribbon.

Even her modeling pay cannot sustain the cost of her classes, so she must give up her dream. Later, she and her parents receive an invitation to a gallery showing of Degas' work - the center piece is the only sculpture of his ever displayed during his lifetime - it is of Marie - and unlike other statues, hers is wearing a tutu and the beautiful hair ribbon she gave him.

The story is not only entertaining, but it tells children that while some people may act mean or rude, it may be because they are hurting on the inside - and extending friendship to someone who behaves in such a manner can truly make a difference in their life and in yours.

The story is peppered with illustrations of Marie and her family, as well as photos of Degas' paintings and of course, his famous sculpture. Information about the names of the paintings and the museums where they are displayed is also cited at the end of the book.

This doesn't have to be just a book for girls - even young boys will see a universal truth - we can always have dreams and even though they may not come true the way we envisioned them, we never know what wonderful surprises are around the corner.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book connects real life with art, March 14, 2000

By 

H. J. Hill (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Degas and the Little Dancer (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book that helps children (and adults) see the reality that lies behind art. My daughter was first introduced to this book at the age of 8. Now she notices the "Little Dancer" every time she sees it. Knowing the background of both Degas and his young dancer has made the art itself more interesting.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous integrated arts book!, November 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Degas and the Little Dancer (Hardcover)

This book teaches not only about the famous French impressionist Degas, but also would be enjoyed by any child who loves dance. It documents the true story of Degas' dancer paintings as well as one little girl's love for ballet. It's equally inspirational and educational. Perfect for the classroom or the home!