Van Gogh and the Post-Impressionists for Kids

May 1, 2011

Gr 4-7-The bulk of this wonderfully thorough study of Post-Impressionist artists focuses on van Gogh, with smaller sections devoted to Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Signac, and Emile Bernard. The highly engaging text follows the artists' lives with crisp writing and vivid detail, delving into their family backgrounds and relationships, and doesn't sugarcoat dark and gritty incidents such as van Gogh's self-inflicted ear amputation. Information is well organized, with logical headings and chapter breaks to introduce important milestones. Full-color reproductions of paintings discussed in the text add visual interest, and educational sidebars expound on topics mentioned in the main narrative, such as the Japanese prints that van Gogh loved. Although some activities may be challenging and depend on artistic skill, such as sketching van Gogh's The Carrot Puller to explore shading techniques, most activities do not require any particular talent. A letter-writing activity encourages children to see like artists and use descriptive writing to illustrate a scene in words, for example, and another project cleverly involves using a bagel and craft foam to make a bird feeder shaped like one of van Gogh's famous sunflowers. With its creative, hands-on ideas for teaching art technique and history, this book is an excellent resource for students and teachers. The extensive biographical information not only provides solid material for school reports, but also makes for a truly fascinating read.-Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2011
Grades 6-9 As with Sabbeth's Monet and the Impressionists for Kids (2002), this provides an informative, beautifully designed introduction to postimpressionism and its artists. Enhanced with quoted letters and abundant color visuals, including artwork reproductions, the narrative begins with detailed descriptions of Vincent van Gogh's childhood before moving into his adult years as a gallery assistant, teacher, missionary, and, eventually, an artist, a journey marked by ill temper, mental illness (resulting in the infamous ear-cutting episode), financial difficulties, disappointments, and self-doubt. Throughout, Sabbeth explores van Gogh's complex relationships with his brother Theo and with fellow artists Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Signac, and Emile Bernard, each profiled in brief but multidimensional biographies. The well-defined art concepts invite readers to linger over the discussed works in corresponding visuals, while sidebars add additional interest. Art Detective sidebars highlight ways to recognize distinctive artistic characteristics, while A Closer Look pages further detail people and artworks. The accompanying suggested activities range from cooking thematic dishes to crafting a Japanese foldout album. A time line, glossary, bibliography, and detailed index conclude this fine addition to the biography shelves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)