Customer Reviews

The Van Gogh Cafe

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Not only does the magic renew Clara's (the 10 year-old who helps her father run the Van Gogh Cafe) hope and add a rainbow splash of color to her life, but the magic between Marc (Clara's father) and Clara struck me as inspiring, too. Marc and Clara share the work, and share the magic: The father and daughter make an interesting, enjoyable team to read about, from the time lightning struck the Cafe, to the time they met a very special writer and all the times in between. It seems Clara expects good things (magic) to happen, and that expectation is contagious to readers as they can't wait to find out what happens next in this book (which is a quick and easy read - it was over too soon). It's easy to get involved in The Van Gogh Cafe, and easy to find hope and cheer there.

This book is probably the best book I have ever read. I love the magical and nice suspense put into the book. A few fellow classmates of mine and I loved it so much, we dressed up in striped red and white shirts, black pants, berets, and created 'A Poetry Evening at the Van Gogh Cafe' for a school project. We included it with poems about magic and the Cafe, read the poem Invitation by Shel Silverstein, recited Marc's poetry, and topped it off with a pair of bongos and a spotlight. Well, I loved everything about this book: the way each chapter led into another, the font and pictures put at the top of each page, even the cover is beautiful. I think every person in the world should own a copy of this book.

I just finished reading the Van Gogh Cafe to the kids in my fifth grade class today. This is the fourth time I have read it to my classes, and I never fail to be amazed and delighted by the images and magic Cynthia Rylant infuses into her story about a very unusual cafe in Flowers, Kansas. Each little story within this slim volume is like a jewel. Rylant wields her pen as skillfully as Vincent Van Gogh did his brush and palette knife, and no matter how many times I read it, the hair on the back of my neck prickles in anticipation of the unexpected, the "marvel ous."
I HIGHLY recommend this book to chldren and to anyone, child or adult who needs to be transported to a place where a porcelain hen sits smiling, and a sign reads Bless All Dogs.

This is a very good book because it uses extremely descriptive writing. Cynthia Rylant can capture a whole idea in just a few words. Another reason I like this book is because it involves a kid, like me. The stories made me feel like I would like to go to the Van Gogh Cafe. It can be enjoyed by kids and adults!

This book is so filled with magic, Houdini hardly matchs up to it.Clara and Marc are always expecting magic, and in the magic that comes there is always a extra little bit of magic in the end.Exellent for all readers, great for reading aloud to the family.I am sure that after you read this book, you will want to bake some little mini muffins yourself, or even go outside to check your roof for a wayward seagull. Once again, this is a very magical book, and it instantly became one of my favorites.:)

Many readers have commented on the book's 'magical' writing style which creates an excitement and wonderment that just draws you in and doesn't let go. The thing I like most about this book as an elementary school teacher is that the book is so versatile and so accessible to so many readers. As a read-aloud, small-group literature circle, read with a parent or partner, or read independently, this book fits any situation. Because of the short chapters, the large print, the extremely interesting stories told within the novel, and the fluent writing style, virtually any reader right from emergent young chapter book reader to struggling upper elementary reader right up to adult will fall in love with this book. If you have a child who doesn't like reading, get this book for them. It just might turn them on to reading.

Cynthia Rylant has written a lot of books, but this really is one of my favorites. I would recommend it for kids in third or fourth grade. It tells the story of an odd cafe where, in each chapter, something mysterious happens - such as a famous movie star coming and eating there and then leaving, whereupon everyone remembers that the star in question has been deceased for many years. This is a gentle, charming, subtly magical book.

The Van Gogh Café, by Cynitha Rylant is a wonderful story. It is full of magical stories that fill every chapter. This book deserves five stars. Many small problems occur, such as, thousands of seagulls land on the roof top of the café. Also there is a blizzard and many small children on a bus crash, but the café helps them to get better. I would recommend this book to fourth graders and up because young children may not understand this story.

Emerson, NJ; fifth grade student

I love Cynthia Rylant's "Cat Heaven" so I ordered this book for my 7 year old grandson, Taylor. I started reading it and couldn't put it down! (Guess I'll order an extra copy to keep for myself.) Each chapter deals with a 'miracle' that happens at the Van Gogh Cafe which is run by Marc and his daughter. Very uplifting, life-affirming and magical. I highly recommend this book for adults who want to remember the limitless joys of childhood.

The Van Gogh Cafe is about one of the best books somebody could read. I know that I feel like I am in the book. You would like this book! I think this is about one of the best books in the world, no the universe! Join Clara and Marc and some special visitors at the Van Gogh Cafe. You'll feel like the magic is rubbing off on you.