Customer Reviews

Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall

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This picture book biography offers a dreamy, almost surreal text accompanied, of course, by Chagall-inspired pictures. The style suits the subject matter well, turning the book into a cross between a biography and a tribute. While it may not be the most useful book for reports, it certainly conveys the personality of Chagall very well and is more likely than a straight biography to get readers interested in the artist's life and work. An endnote provides some more solid facts and historical context, as well as an actual example of Chagall's art. Judaism was prominent in Chagall's life and work, and is thus woven into both text and illustrations of this biography.

This book was named a 2006 Notable Children's Book of Jewish Content by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

To hear a review of this book by a pair of talented third graders, listen to the podcast The Book of Life at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com (February 2006 episode).

I use this book when presenting the artwork "I and the Village" to 4th grade students. I really gives life to my speech and shows the children in vivid color the life of this wonderful artist.

This books accomplishes A LOT! The author has tailored Chagall's story to embrace his experience as a child who doesn't see things as "normal" people do. Any child that has experienced being different will relate. The illustrations beautifully capture Chagall's style and do a great job in preparing children for appreciating his art.

This lovely book is a delightful introduction for children to the life of Marc Chagall. The vibrancy of the gorgeous illustrations (in Chagall style, of course) paired with the simple and charming text, make this a sure winner. Chagall's Jewish roots are lovingly portrayed; from his first days in heder, to the holidays he celebrated with his family. For example, here is the entire text from a vibrant double page spread of his family observing Passover: "The seasons brought wondrous holidays. On Passover, Marc loved the colorful pictures in the Haggadah. He loved the deep violet of the wine in his father's glass. And when he opened the door for the prophet Elijah, silver stars trembled on a velvet spring sky." The illustrations exude a domestic tranquility and beauty and even the choice of typeface for the text is appealing in its simplicity. The reader eventually finds out why Chagall is so unusual: "Marc knew he was different from other boys. He saw things they didn't see. On the Sabbath, enchanted by the singing of prayers, Marc saw houses floating." Chagall's devout family regards image making as a sin, but Marc goes to art school and eventually ends up in Paris after World War II. At the age of 90 he gets his own exhibition at the Louvre--one of the very few living artists to be honored in such a way. You don't have to love art to love this book.
Reviewed by Lisa Silverman

My classroom loves this one as they can feel the pain and rejoyce in the power of spirit.