Customer Reviews

Painting the Wind

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.