Marie was just a "rat" in the chorus of the Paris Opera before Edgar Degas asked her to model for him. But while Degas created a world-famous sculpture, Marie learned to soar like a butterfly. Full color.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
An awkward dancer becomes a Degas model for a famous sculpture; Schoenherr's oil paintings pay tribute to the impressionist's own style. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?Marie van Goethem was a "rat" girl in the chorus of the ballet of the Paris Opera when she was immortalized by Edgar Degas in a sculpture entitled "The Little Dancer." In this fictionalized account, Marie is shown as a shy, plain girl who models for the painter and sculptor to provide money for her struggling parents. Becoming immersed in the work, she poses for hours on end, until Degas is satisfied. Through her modeling, Marie's dancing improves immeasurably, and the artist's sketches are transformed into the famous sculpture. A footnote at the end of the book explains that Marie was a real girl, but acknowledges the fact that very little is known about her life. It is not even known if she ever saw the sculpture that made her famous. This gives an added drama to a beautifully written story that focuses not only on Degas's work, but also the suffering Marie endured for both the sculptor and her ballet. Illustrated with oil paintings strikingly reminiscent of those done by Degas himself, this book is a true testament to the joys and the hard work involved in the creative process. Reminiscent of both the Provensens' The Glorious Flight (Viking, 1983) and Emily Arnold McCully's Mirette on the High Wire (Putnam, 1992) in its ability to bring a historical incident to life, Marie in Fourth Position has the added advantage of giving insight into the life of the artist. Overall, a fine job.?Melissa Hudak, North Suburban District Library, Roscoe, IL
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Marie in Fourth Position,
By Diane Siegel Danoff (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Marie in Fourth Position (Hardcover)
The author beautifully brings to life Marie and Monsieur Degas. My five-year-old daughter especially liked the illustrations, which are done in a Degas-like style. This book will make you want to run out to the museum to see the Degas sculpture in person. My daughter liked the book even better than Degas and the Little Dancer, a similar book by Laurence Anholt which I believe takes a few more liberties with the facts but which we also liked. The Anholt book, unlike the Littlesugar book, has reproductions of several Degas works, which were a very nice touch.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
So much more than a ballet story,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Marie in Fourth Position: The Story of Degas' "The Little Dancer" (Picture Books) (Paperback)
My teacher read us this book. She really likes art and wanted to show us how wonderful the world of art can be. I love the pictures in this book. The brushstrokes really bring the paintings to life. I also learned some french words from reading the book - oui, I would buy this book!
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
very good book,
By Tammy Huelsmann (Highland, IL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Marie in Fourth Position (Hardcover)
I truly enjoyed this book. The books illustrations were great.I have read many books on Degas and this was one of the best.I would recommend it to any one .
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
There once lived a girl named Marie who was but a "rat" in the Pari Opera. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Monsieur Degas, Madame Housekeeper, The Little Dancer New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
There once lived a girl named Marie who was but a "rat" in the Pari Opera. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Monsieur Degas, Madame Housekeeper, The Little Dancer New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
3
books
cite this book:
- Growing Up With Literature by Walter Sawyer on page 230
- Technology Connections for Grades 3-5: Research Projects and Activities by Norma Heller on page 137
- Young at Art: Teaching Toddlers Self-Expression, Problem-Solving Skills, and an Appreciation for Art by Susan Striker on page 186
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