Monet

Children's Literature

The Impressionist best known for his water lilies, Claude Monet, comes to life in this slender volume that celebrates his body of work. Important facts about his life are given, but the book's true purpose is to examine select paintings for their contribution to art and to Monet's growth as an artist. Working mostly outdoors, using bright colors, and painting in broken brush strokes, Monet perfected a technique that won him praise and admiration. That he liked to paint the same scene at different times of day is reflected in the examination of his Haystacks. While well-designed and a visual treat, this brief biography may only serve to whet the appetite of interested readers. The useful BIBLIOgraphy and Web site addresses will be helpful for those who want to know more. Part of the "Masterpieces: Artists and Their Works" series. 2002, Capstone Press,
— Beverley Fahey

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Even though these introductory titles are aimed at young readers, the texts are too short, and the artistic concepts and terms are oversimplified. The full-color reproductions of the artists' works are well done, and the black-and-white photos of the men at work add interest and immediacy. Yet these strengths cannot compensate for such misguided statements as: "Impressionists did not paint pictures that looked real. Instead, they tried to paint scenes the way they looked at a quick glance" (Monet). This assertion does not at all convey Monet's careful attempts to capture the effect of light on objects. In general, children will be better served by other works when they are older or other approaches for this age, such as True Kelley's Claude Monet: Sunshine and Waterlilies (Grosset & Dunlap, 2001) or Susan Goldman Rubin's The Yellow House (Abrams, 2001).-Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.