Upset by the unconventional behavior of artist Vincent Van Gogh, the people of Arles try to have him banned from the town, while a little girl named Claudine, intrigued by the color and movement of his paintings, must decide whether or not to stand up for him.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Dionetti tells the story of Vincent van Gogh's time in Arles through the fictional eyes of his charlady's daughter, Claudine. The story does not attempt to convey the painter's angst in any deep psychological or historically accurate way--his self-mutilation is peremptorily dealt with as a symptom of his unhappiness at being an unappreciated genius--but the little girl's dawning appreciation of the radical paintings he is producing serves as a way of opening the child readers' eyes to the shock and possibility of the unconventional. Kevin Hawke's illustrations are evocative of van Gogh's style.
From Publishers Weekly
Claudine, the daughter of Vincent van Gogh's charwoman, is the only person in Arles who finds the artist and his work exciting rather than threatening. She dreams of becoming an artist herself, and, as represented by Hawkes's (The Librarian Who Measured the Earth) vibrant settings, she begins to see through her hero's eyes: "the trees no longer looked green to her, but gold and purple and orange and blue, and their branches danced like flames." Claudine notes van Gogh's compulsive work habits and volatility, and also witnesses Gauguin's tumultuous visit and the artist's depression following the ear-mutilation episode. But Claudine remains enchanted by his gifts and overcomes her meekness to defend Arles's bete noire, praising his work in full view of the hostile townspeople. Van Gogh, however, remains a shadowy, distant figure, and the story is not likely to carry much weight with those not already familiar with van Gogh. Hawkes demonstrates great versatility: his lush, charismatic oil illustrations evoke by turns the intensity of van Gogh's paintings, the relative tranquility of a more conventional vision and the dark period of van Gogh's depression. While Claudine's love of art and righteous loyalty can seem emotionally airbrushed, Dionetti (Coal Mine Peaches) and Hawkes successfully demonstrate the power of art to transform vision. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly Inspirational Literature,
By
This review is from: Painting the Wind (Hardcover)
The illustrations and story presented by Kevin Hawkes and Michelle Dionetti are an inspiration to the reader. I feel that the central characters of Claudine and Vincent in conjunction with the authenticity of the images and words bring a new life to the myths surrounding Vincent van Gogh. Looking at his life through the eyes of a child we see that his eccentricities are just that and children can understand that characteristic in an adult better than most adults can. Ms. Dionetti has captured Vincent and shines a more sympathetic light on him - as someone who lights a fire in the artistic heart of a young girl from Provence. Kevin Hawkes illustration on the final page of the book speaks volumes.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous Book Brings Art to Life,
By Janet (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Painting the Wind (Hardcover)
This is a gorgeous picture book about a child's observation of/relationship with Van Gogh. It manages the feat of bringing the artist's eye and works to very vivid life without descending to a pastiche of his work. The text is fine, but the illustrations are just a knockout.
I read this as an adult, so I'm not sure how it works for children, but I consider it a treasure. I think a child with an interest in art would love it. I think it should be better known.
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful rendition,
By A Customer
This review is from: Painting the Wind (Hardcover)
This is a beautiful rendition of a new way of looking at the life of Van Gogh - through the eyes of a child. Truth or fiction? It's certainly possible. Haven't you ever imagined interacting with a legend? It feeds the imagination.
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