A Weekend with Rousseau

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-The bright paintings of the untutored genius Henri Rousseau show scenes of Paris alive with flags and people, portraits of stiffly posed, mustachioed gentlemen, and wonderfully dreamlike fantasies of jungles and fierce beasts. All are immensely appealing to children. The colorful paintings take center stage while the author, using the voice of the artist, explains when and how each picture was made. This is an effective approach, since Rousseau's life was without external drama and his work as a customs official had little impact on his art. As the self-taught hobbyist became part of the Parisian art world, he met Picasso and the poet Apollinaire, and their words and pictures are incorporated into the text. Still, it is Rousseau's art itself, his unique interpretations of familiar scenes in France, and his visions of exotic places that will hold readers' interest. The book's design is masterful. Paintings are juxtaposed against photographs, the text is decorated with sketches, and poems and quotations add authenticity to the narrative. Throughout, the imaginary voice of the artist explains, describes, and philosophizes, while interpreting the paintings themselves. A fine addition to any collection.-Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ