Customer Reviews

Paris in the Spring with Picasso

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

As a story book for 4th graders, it is an interesting account of the city and some famous persons. Unfortunately, I hoped for more examples of art work, particularly by Picasso, since I purchased the book for a young artist.

As an art teacher who wanted to use the book as an inspiration for a lesson on Picasso, I found this book utterly useless. This text has no information on Pablo Picasso and his work. It has nothing to do with art nor spring. Additionally, it lacks a plot. I have a very patient, small, studious class of 3rd graders at a private school and I could tell they were getting antsy to find out what the point of the story was.
The book portrays a series of interactions between bohemian socialites of Paris. The author drops names like Leger, Stein and Picasso - yet doesn't elaborate on who they were. There are some vague mentions about models, writers and artists. They are strolling through the streets of Paris to attend a soiree. Once they arrive, two of the guests refer to each other as "lovie". Really?
I might as well have read a book about 90's club kids or the adventures of Paris Hilton. They would have learned just as little.
Additionally, the illustrations are not suitable for the target audience of this text. They do not depict the imagery of Picasso and Paris in a recognizable way. I would have liked to see larger, clearer, less graphic visuals and actual examples of Picasso's work.