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Two Brothers, Four Hands
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The inspiring true story of the Giacometti brothers, one an artist, the other a daredevil, both devoted to their craft . . . but even more devoted to each other.
Everyone who knew them agreed. Alberto was the genius of the family. His younger brother Diego was his opposite--he didn't care much for books or schoolwork, and he had no idea what he would be when he grew up. ...more
Everyone who knew them agreed. Alberto was the genius of the family. His younger brother Diego was his opposite--he didn't care much for books or schoolwork, and he had no idea what he would be when he grew up. ...more
Hardcover, 64 pages
Published
April 23rd 2019
by Neal Porter Books
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A spectacular biography of two brothers, their inter-twined lives and the struggle of both discovering what you are meant to do and living through the Second World War. Pair this with Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome for an examination of the importance of sibling relationships.

I'm going to be transparent here -- I had never heard of the artists Alberto and/or Diego Giacometti before I picked up this book off of the 'new non-fiction book' shelf at the local public library. But, as you may have noticed recently, I can't resist a good biography about the arts.
These interesting brothers were born thirteen months apart in 1901 and 1902 in Switzerland. Their father, Giovanni Giacometti, was a talented painter in his own right. When the boys were young, he gave them pencils ...more
These interesting brothers were born thirteen months apart in 1901 and 1902 in Switzerland. Their father, Giovanni Giacometti, was a talented painter in his own right. When the boys were young, he gave them pencils ...more

This is a perfect example of the fact that picture books are actually a format, not a genre. In this case the format is ideal, since these two artist-brothers deserve a visual presentation of their life stories. It is also suited that their intertwined lives should be appear in a single book. Despite their differences in nature, one's work would not have been noteworthy without the involvement, skills, and dedication of the other.
This title is also an example that picture books should not be ...more
This title is also an example that picture books should not be ...more

Biographies seem to be coming out more and more in picture book form. Some introduce artists and their art, enticing everyone to know more and more. This particular picture book tells about these brothers, from their growing up, choosing (and not choosing) to make art, finally being in the limelight. No matter their poverty, no matter the austere lives they led, they did art!
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan tell this true story of the Giacometti brothers, no matter the challenge, they devoted ...more
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan tell this true story of the Giacometti brothers, no matter the challenge, they devoted ...more

I never thought my 5-year-old would make it through this one, which is clearly a book for older kiddos, but he liked it. I think it was just so visual. I didn't know these artists, but this was a a great story with a detailed narrative. I liked that fact that it could have thorough back matter, including a timeline, painting analysis, and notes on the narrative, without me feeling like the whole story was crammed in the back. It's long and would probably be most interesting to intermediate
...more

Spare text presents the intertwined lives of these two brothers, so different in temperament but both sculptors in their own right. Colors used to illustrate the mood, with heavy black line, convey the feelings of the brothers and the weariness of war. Back matter suggests to readers a variety of ways to approach art through a closer examination of Walking Man. There are also notes on the text Ana a bibliography. The only thing missing is where to see their works.

This is the story of two Swiss brothers who both became artists. Alberto was the more talented "fine" artist, but Diego had skill in metalwork that complimented his brother. Greenberg and Jordan do a good job in outlining their lives and careers through the 20th century, and Hadley Hooper's illustrations show what the artist life was like and gives the reader a solid look into the artistic styles of the times.

Biographical recount of Alberto and Diego Giamoetti, two artists and the lives that they led, both apart and together. Greenberg and Jordan capture the timeline of the two artists as they went from struggling artists, to famous (Alberto ending up or famous than his brother). Both had their own success in their art form.

This is a great book for children. Along with the true story about two brothers it gives a background message of helping family members and that everyone no matter how different from yourself has great value and talent.

I enjoy reading about art that I’ve seen and the story of its maker. Artists Diego and Alberto Giacometti lives as documented and illustrated in this book reveals what life was like living during WW2 in Paris as well as how they survived as artists. Wonderfully illustrated and written.

3 1/2.
For art classes
Compare with Van Gogh brothers’ story
For art classes
Compare with Van Gogh brothers’ story

Interesting, clear, informative and attractive. All the things a nonfiction picture book about art should be.

I always find it fascinating when I read about someone I should probably know but I don't. That's the case with this one, and I'm grateful for the backmatter since I found photos of the artwork of the Giacometti brothers that looked familiar.
A biography that really goes through the lifetime of the brothers - organized with headings that detail the years it is discussing, readers travel from the early years to their deaths learning about the passion of these two artists.
Illustrated by Hadley ...more
A biography that really goes through the lifetime of the brothers - organized with headings that detail the years it is discussing, readers travel from the early years to their deaths learning about the passion of these two artists.
Illustrated by Hadley ...more
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