Van Gogh’s Dog by Georgia Larson & Grace Helmer (Buster Books)
Van Gogh’s Dog is a beautiful picture book introducing younger children to Vincent van Gogh’s paintings and inspirations. As Sunny, a charming pup, chases around locations that prompted van Gogh to create some of his most famous works, readers learn there is beauty all around us. If we go out into the world, we’ll find colours, light and movement that will make us feel alive! From the joy of a field of bright yellow sunflowers to a busy café to an astonishing sky filled with twinkling stars, Sunny shows van Gogh an exciting world just waiting to be painted.
Van Gogh’s Dog is a wonderful introduction to classic painters and their works. There is so much to discuss on every page as colours and words swirl together in a fun, fast-paced story. This book is a must-have for primary schools looking to broaden their cross-curricular offer and help children make links between stories and the real world.
Small Stories of Great Artists by Laurence Anholt (Taschen)
Small Stories of Great Artists is a gorgeous book – completely unique and so valuable in what it contains. Each chapter focuses on a major artist: Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas & Leonardo da Vinci. A charming picture book style story brings each artist to life. Their inspirations and paintings are described through the eyes of a young friend who gets to know the artist and learns to appreciate their work. Each story is followed by a fascinating ‘Meet the Aritist’ biography written from the point of view of the artist. These include photographs and important details about their lives. A selection of paintings and questions for children to consider finish off the chapter.
I particularly love ‘Degas and the Little Dancer’ telling the story of Marie Van Goethem – a young ballerina who would pose for Degas. She is the girl in his famous sculpture ‘The Little Dancer of Fourteen Years’. The authenticity of the girls chatting, stretching, adjusting their leotard straps and tying their ballet shoes reflects the reality of young dancers having fun together while striving for their dreams. I know my own 14 year old ballerina will love this story.
Small Stories of Great Artists is a book to be treasured and shared. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift but is also a worthwhile investment for schools. It could easily form the foundation of a scheme of work in Art in primary schools, providing an introductory lesson for each artist across a range of year groups. I’m looking forward to sharing it with my children’s secondary school Art teachers. I know their students will be as inspired by it as I am.
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