Synopsis
Introduces the life and work of Claude Monet, discussing his early years, life in London and various parts of France, and development as a painter.
Children's Literature
Art history is boiled down to the basics here and presented for young children. Each spread provides chronological information about Monet's life with illustrations from his paintings. Monet was an Impressionist painter. The Impressionists wanted to capture nature in the changing light of day. To do this Monet painted outdoors, and worked quickly. He frequently did series of paintings of the same scene at different times. Monet particularly is well known for his series of paintings of the cathedral at Rouen. He did a lot of traveling and painted on location. He is also well known for his paintings of water. Impressionism was a new style at the time, and not immediately appreciated. A timeline and glossary are included. Part of the "Life and Work of ..." series. 2000, Heinemann Library, Ages 4 to 8, $19.92. Reviewer: Kristin Harris