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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
April in Paris..., March 23, 2010
This review is from: Paris in the Spring with Picasso (Hardcover)
Amazing how many children's picture books have been written in the last few years which include famous people. One would hope that they are being used by parents and teachers to introduce children to history, literature and visual arts particularly as many schools have cut back on creative ways to keep children engaged. This book, in a very colorful way, brings to life Paris in the early 20th century focusing on some of the friends of the American writer Gertrude Stein, whose Parisian apartment became a gathering place of writers and visual artists. Marjorie Priceman's brightly colored gouache and ink illustrations enhance Joan Yolleck's story of strolls through various parts of Paris. The writers Apollinaire and Max Jacob and the artists Picasso and Marie Laurencin go about their daily lives anticipating an evening at the home of Gertrude Stein and "her best friend" Alice B. Toklas. Some Steinian references in the illustrations such as "pigeons on the grass" and plenty of roses are a pleasant surprise! The brief biographical notes in the back of the book about Stein and Toklas and the other writers and artists featured are a nice touch, though it would also have been helpful to have included a short list of the few French words used in the book with a simply pronunciation guide. (Most, but not all of the French words are defined in the text, though the others are pretty easy to figure out.) The book is listed as being for 4 to 8 years olds, but some words and the flow of the narrative may be a bit too difficult for 4 and 5 year olds.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This enchanting tale of a special soirée brings the art world of early twentieth century Paris to life!, June 1, 2010
This review is from: Paris in the Spring with Picasso (Hardcover)
There is a lovely street in Paris just past the Luxembourg Garden called rue de Fleurus. If you arrive at number 27, you will have arrived at the home of sister and brother, Gertrude and Leo Stein. Their busy housekeeper, Hélène, may "take you into the salon, but don't expect her to stay. She has cooking to do." The home comes alive with excitement every Saturday night when a soirée is held. They have many friends who live in the city of lights. There is the talented Buillaume Apollinaire, a poet and playright, who gathers ideas for his poems from things he sees in the city. He and his girlfriend Marie loved going to the evening party. There was Pablo Picasso, a great painter, who could be so intense he even "painted holding a candle in one hand and a brush in the other." He was a brilliant painter who would not want to miss the soirée. He was going to bring his girlfriend Fernande and Frika, their dog. All of them were excited and wended their way under the starry skies to the salon. They crossed the river and heard music coming from a cabaret, but the draw of good company kept them moving. Gertrude was reading in an overstuffed chair while her best friend Alice B. Toklas was putting some sweets on a table. Paintings covered the walls of the salon, a salon where good friends would meet and enjoy themselves. This enchanting tale of a special soirée, hosted by Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, brings the art world of early twentieth century Paris to life. Little snippets of French and easy, almost conversational portraits of the "usuals" at the soirée make this tale fun and realistic. The excitement and charm of the city are beautifully brought out by the vibrant artwork. The day in the life of friends was not only fun, but will also be a learning experience for the young art lover. In the back of the book are brief biographical sketches and photographs of the soirée participants. The charming book would be a wonderful addition to any art lover's shelves!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enchanting, April 21, 2010
This review is from: Paris in the Spring with Picasso (Hardcover)
Joan Yolleck and Marjorie Priceman, in words and pictures, have illuminated a special time in Paris: Springtime, Stein, Jacob, Picasso, and others, in a magical world of friendship and creativity. Young, curious people everywhere, and the people who read to them, should be thankful for the window Yolleck and Priceman have opened. Bravo! Stein et al would be pleased, I think, to be so imaginatively remembered and celebrated.
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