Parker, Marjorie Blain Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse Illustrated by Holly Berry Penguin, 2012. $16.99 PICTURE BOOK Content: G.
Henri always was a dreamer. His parents were concerned when he was young that he wasn’t a hard worker. He didn’t like working at the family store and he always wanted to become something exciting like an actor. When he was in his twenties he decided to go to Paris to study law, but he got sick while working and ended up in a hospital for a month. During his hospital stay he watched another patient paint while he was in bed, so Henri decided to try to paint too. Once he got ahold of the colors and started painting the world opened up for him, and he finally found what he loved. At first his art wasn’t appreciated because of the bright colors he used, but eventually some people began to appreciate his art. He ended up being a hard worker after all.
This book has great illustrations. The beginning of his life is illustrated in black and white, with his dreams being in color, and then when he is older and discovers that he loves to paint all the illustrations are in color. The story is a simple summary of Henri Matisse’s life, but an inspiring one. There is an author’s note at the end that also explains more about Henri’s life. This is a great book to encourage young artists and to teach children to appreciate the arts.
EL (K-3), EL-ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
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