Edgar Degas: Paintings That Dance (Smart About Art) [Paperback]

Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Smart About Art

Edgar Degas is famous for his paintings of ballerinas, and that's what first attracts "Kristin" to his artwork. But as she studies him for her report, she discovers that his art ranged far beyond the ballet and she gradually learns exactly what makes Degas' work so unique.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With a clear, accessible format, the Smart About Art series kicks off with Edgar Degas: Paintings that Dance by Maryann Cocca-Leffler; Claude Monet: Sunshine and Waterlilies by True Kelley; and Vincent van Gogh: Sunflowers and Swirly Stars by Joan Holub. Each presents factual information about each artist in the style of a school report, interjecting the narrative with the voice of a child writer. In Degas, for instance, "author" Kristin pastes in a photograph of herself in fourth position (aping one of Degas's sketches of a ballet dancer); in Monet, the narrator compares two paintings of the same scene, one by Renoir and one by Monet. Full-color photos and reproductions of the paintings illustrate the text.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-The conceit behind these biographies is that they were written by elementary-grade students as reports on the painters. Each book opens with a letter from their teacher, "Ms. Brandt," outlining some questions the student might want to think about when preparing the assignment: why did you pick this artist; if you could ask him or her three questions what would they be; and did you learn anything that surprised you? Unfortunately, the end results are cluttered pages and possibly confusing content. While each book includes facts about the subject's life (birth date and place, childhood, work, etc.), it also incorporates little bits of information about the child who is writing the report. For example, Kristin, the "author" of Degas, includes her own self-portrait next to the artist's. The material presented on each subject is strictly biographical; there is no discussion of the artists' technique or place in art history. Colorful pages and lettering highlight the many reproductions, photographs, childlike drawings, and snippets of text. The "Getting to Know the World's Great Artists" series (Children's) presents solid factual information along with reproductions. However, for an engaging introduction to an artist by a fictional character, steer readers to Christina Bj?rk's Linnea in Monet's Garden (R & S, 1987) or Neil Waldman's appealing The Starry Night (Boyds Mills, 2001).
Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448425203
• ISBN-13: 978-0448425207
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 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: #108,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Art > History
  • #32 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Art > History
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Art

More About the Author

Website: www.maryanncoccaleffler.com
My PLAY: www.princesskimthemusical.com
my Blog: www.maryanncoccaleffler.blogspot.com

I've been writing and illustrating children's books for more than 25 years and have published over 50 books. I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1980 with a BFA in illustration. My Italian childhood sneaks into my books. The first book I wrote and illustrated was "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day". My books "Bus Route to Boston" and "Clams All Year" are family stories which I hold dear to my heart. Recent books include "Rain Brings Frogs-A Little Book of Hope" ,"Princess K.I.M and the Lie that Grew" and "Princess Kim and Too Much Truth", which are currently being made into Pristin K.I.M The Musical. Broadway here I come! Please keep checking my website and blog to see my new books or learn news about upcoming projects. I live and work in NH where I write and illustrate on an average of two books a year. I have two wonderful daughters and a supportive husband who are the first ones to see my ideas (love to torture them!).
I'd love to hear from you.
Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction to the world of art, January 10, 2007

By 

Kirsten Terborg - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edgar Degas: Paintings That Dance (Smart About Art) (Paperback)

As a teacher looking to add to her biography collection, this series is a dream come true. It's written in a style that is attractive and holds a child's attention. There is a mixture of real art pieces and drawings done by the book's illustrator. It's a painless way of learning new information. I highly recommend all books in this series for any 3-5 grade teacher.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Firts approach to Degas, March 1, 2009

By 

Luz Estela (PR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edgar Degas: Paintings That Dance (Smart About Art) (Paperback)

This is an extraordinary book for kids to start the investigestion of an artist life and work. It's simple and it brings the information in a very interesting stile. Kids will love it, specially girls.