From Publishers Weekly
The siren call of Vincent Van Gogh's vivid style and romantic outsider status makes the artist an appealing but tricky subject for those who would attract children to fine art. In her first book for children, Isom tells of Jacques, an orphan who befriends the beleaguered painter in Arles, emphasizing Van Gogh's kindness to children and animals. The two friends walk, talk and eat within full-page, swirling settings reminiscent of the artist's paintings. The ever-practical Jacques is sweetly protective of Vincent's physical and financial health, and the infinitely patient artist in turn counsels the child not to worry about money. Unfortunately, Isom's PG-rated Van Gogh lacks spark and her illustrations look fuzzy and sentimental next to the lone reproduction?The Starry Night?which fairly leaps off the page. Neophytes who do find this avuncular Vincent compelling will find no bibliography, picture locator or biographical sketch to help them explore further. Ages 6-12.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--Jacques, an orphaned potwasher in Arles, makes friends with the artist-lodger Vincent. The painter's odd ways have made him feared by the villagers, but his kindness toward a cat endears him to Jacques. Their friendship grows, and Vincent begins to explain what and how he sees. To the lonely boy he becomes a "brother of the heart." Jacques hopes for Vincent's success, but only one painting sells. The man departs, but he has left paintings in lieu of payment and arranged for Jacques to go to school. The boy's favorite painting--The Starry Night--patches the ceiling above his bed and, looking at it, he realizes that his lost friend "is not lost at all." This simple story is illustrated by page after page of Van Gogh-like paintings. Although none is actually a copy of any particular work, recognizable elements of the artist's style--impasto, haloes, discrete brushstrokes--distinguish them all. The subject matter is also familiar: cornfield, snow, sunflower, narrow red bed, flowering trees, rustic chair, etc. The intense palette of reds, oranges, blues, and purples also echoes the master. Purists may argue that near-Van Gogh is no substitute for the real thing, but this appealing book could introduce the techniques and themes of the impressionists in a pleasantly accessible way.
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
