My brother, Vincent Van Gogh

The Washington Post

High-quality reproductions of Vincent's drawings and paintings, plus some by contemporaries who influenced him, such as Pissarro and Seurat, are interspersed with photographs and practical suggestions of ways kids can see things from the artist's viewpoint. — Elizabeth Ward

Publishers Weekly

De Bie adopts the compassionate voice of Vincent van Gogh's brother and confidante, Theo, for this sympathetic, detailed picture book biography, which also incorporates art exercises. The narrative device allows readers easy entry into the van Goghs' world: Theo is excited about art and the art movements that were to influence Vincent, and he is a reliable reporter. Through him, readers see how painting became all-consuming for Vincent even as the artist became less and less able to manage for himself. Theo's accounts of Vincent's artistic interests and inspirations (Millet's farmers, Rembrandt's interiors, Japanese prints, etc.) and his intersections with other painters create a highly atmospheric evocation of a pivotal moment in art history. Profusely illustrated with unusually fine reproductions of paintings and drawings by van Gogh and his contemporaries, the presentation supports the complexity of the text. Subtle colored backgrounds harmonize the juxtaposition of black-and-white sketches and prints with color reproductions. Simple but effective art lessons, based on van Gogh's subjects and techniques, enhance the book's appeal and immediacy. Although the translation (from the Dutch) is occasionally stilted, the author's imagination and conviction make this familiar territory seem fresh and newly compelling. Ages 10-up. (Mar.)

Children's Literature

Impressionism is all about light and color. Every page in this book is a different hue from the last. Photo album images and letter-excerpt text create a non-linear impression of a troubled painter's life. It is written through the eyes of Theo van Gogh, and is a good read for brothers as well as young artists. Theo puts the reader on a first name basis with famous painters. From camaraderie with Toulouse-Lautrec and Seurat in Paris to conflict with Gauguin in Arles, Vincent's unstable temperament and attention to beauty are seen side-by-side, and show a shaky balance between the business and creative aspects of art. Painters need money, but they need someone to believe in them even more. Theo provides both financial support and unwavering commitment to his brother's artistic success. It is a story of brotherly tolerance and love that spans a lifetime. Drawing and painting activities further illuminate the text and teach students to see the light in everyday things. 2003 (orig. 2002), J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty Publications,
— Tina Dybvik