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Anholt's Artists
Camille and the Sunflowers: A Story About Vincent van Gogh
A lovely book about artist, Vincent van Gogh from the series, Anholt's Artists Books for Children. Where Camille lived, the sunflowers grew so high they looked like real suns. One day a man arrived in Camille's town. Camille meets the man, and they become friends. This man is the painter named Vincent van Gogh. Parents, teachers, and gift givers will Author and illustrator Laurence Anholt recalls memorable and sometimes amusing moments when the lives of the artists were touched by children. Anholt's fine illustrations appear on every page and include reproductions of works by the artists.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1994
11 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Laurence Anholt
208 books88 followersIn a career spanning three decades, Laurence Anholt has produced over 200 children's books, which are published in more than 30 languages. Titles like the self-illustrated Anholt's Artists series have sold many millions of copies around the world. Laurence has also collaborated on numerous picture books with his wife, the artist, Catherine Anholt.
Laurence's first YA / Crossover novel THE HYPNOTIST was published by Penguin Random House on 6th October 2016.
The Hypnotist was described by The Bookseller as 'gripping, powerful storytelling with a powerful anti-racist message.' The book has been officially endorsed by Amnesty International, it was the winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award, shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award and four major book awards. It is currently longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2018.
Born in 1959, Laurence Anholt was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting love of Art. He went on to study Painting for 8 years, culminating in a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. Catherine and Laurence live and work in a house on a hill with studios and wild flower meadows, overlooking the sea in Devon, southwest England.
Laurence's books have won many awards, including the UK's prestigious Nestlé Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. For more than a decade, Laurence has been amongst the top 200 Most Borrowed Authors from UK libraries across all genres. He was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described by William Watt as "one of the most versatile authors writing for children today".
Catherine and Laurence have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme. Their publication Babies Love Books (also a much-loved picture book) encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on several occasions.
Laurence's self‐illustrated Anholt's Artists series, is an introduction to great artists for young children. These beautiful books are used as part of the national school curriculum in many countries and are sold in galleries and museums all over the world. The books, which include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Camille and the Sunflowers, Degas and the Little Dancer and The Magical Garden of Claude Monet have taken Laurence on many fascinating journeys of discovery. Each scrupulously researched story is based on an actual encounter between a real child and a great artist. In several instances, Laurence has been assisted by relatives of the artists or by the protagonists themselves - for example, Laurence developed a long-standing friendship with Sylvette David, Picasso's Girl With a Ponytail. This series currently includes 10 titles and it has been adapted in many forms, including Apps for iPads, stage and TV productions and a full scale van Gogh musical which Laurence launched in Korea. The Anholt's Artists books are renowned not only for their educational value, but also for their life-affirming themes of aspiration, tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.
Laurence Anholt is a much sought after public speaker, talking about literature and his own zany view of life at conferences all over the world.
The Anholts have three grown up children, Claire and twins, Tom and Maddy. Claire is an anthropologist who works for the UN in Geneva, Maddy is an actor living in London and Tom is a successful artist based in Berlin. They also have twin grandchildren, Felix and Nina.
Laurence Anholt's interests include art, literature, adventure travel and Buddhist meditation.
For further information visit the Anholts' website: http://www.anholt.co.uk
Laurence's first YA / Crossover novel THE HYPNOTIST was published by Penguin Random House on 6th October 2016.
The Hypnotist was described by The Bookseller as 'gripping, powerful storytelling with a powerful anti-racist message.' The book has been officially endorsed by Amnesty International, it was the winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award, shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award and four major book awards. It is currently longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2018.
Born in 1959, Laurence Anholt was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting love of Art. He went on to study Painting for 8 years, culminating in a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. Catherine and Laurence live and work in a house on a hill with studios and wild flower meadows, overlooking the sea in Devon, southwest England.
Laurence's books have won many awards, including the UK's prestigious Nestlé Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. For more than a decade, Laurence has been amongst the top 200 Most Borrowed Authors from UK libraries across all genres. He was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described by William Watt as "one of the most versatile authors writing for children today".
Catherine and Laurence have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme. Their publication Babies Love Books (also a much-loved picture book) encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on several occasions.
Laurence's self‐illustrated Anholt's Artists series, is an introduction to great artists for young children. These beautiful books are used as part of the national school curriculum in many countries and are sold in galleries and museums all over the world. The books, which include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Camille and the Sunflowers, Degas and the Little Dancer and The Magical Garden of Claude Monet have taken Laurence on many fascinating journeys of discovery. Each scrupulously researched story is based on an actual encounter between a real child and a great artist. In several instances, Laurence has been assisted by relatives of the artists or by the protagonists themselves - for example, Laurence developed a long-standing friendship with Sylvette David, Picasso's Girl With a Ponytail. This series currently includes 10 titles and it has been adapted in many forms, including Apps for iPads, stage and TV productions and a full scale van Gogh musical which Laurence launched in Korea. The Anholt's Artists books are renowned not only for their educational value, but also for their life-affirming themes of aspiration, tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.
Laurence Anholt is a much sought after public speaker, talking about literature and his own zany view of life at conferences all over the world.
The Anholts have three grown up children, Claire and twins, Tom and Maddy. Claire is an anthropologist who works for the UN in Geneva, Maddy is an actor living in London and Tom is a successful artist based in Berlin. They also have twin grandchildren, Felix and Nina.
Laurence Anholt's interests include art, literature, adventure travel and Buddhist meditation.
For further information visit the Anholts' website: http://www.anholt.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 13, 2025
The story of a child who could see talent when everyone else could not...will teach young children that sometimes their friends can be wrong. Art is something that is hard to see often; the artist has to make a journey to a place where s/he can find the balance of presentation and acceptance - and often it has to happen within first.
October 27, 2018
Camille, whose father was a postman, lived in a town where the sunflowers grew so high that they looked like real suns and he delighted in running through a field of them to meet his father at the railway station to unload each day's delivery of mail.
One day a man with a yellow beard, wearing a straw hat arrived on the train and he introduced himself as Vincent the painter to the postman and his son. The visitor had no money and no friends but he moved into a yellow house at the end of Camille's street.
Camille's father determined to assist him and therefore he loaded up his post cart with old pots, pans and furniture for Vincent. And to make the house more decorative, Camille picked a huge bunch of sunflowers and put them in a huge brown vase.
Vincent was so pleased he asked Camille's father if he would like his picture painted and as Camille watched, he saw the face of his father appear, as if by magic, on a canvas. Vincent went on to paint the whole family, Camille's mother, his older brother, his baby sister and Camille himself.
Camille was so pleased he took his portrait to school to show his friends but they didn't like it and laughed at it and they went on to tease Camille about his new friend. They even told Camille that his friend should get a proper job rather than paint all day.
But Camille was entranced and spent many afternoons watching Vincent work in the fields, painting sunflowers and the sunflower fields; Camille even christened him 'The Sunflower Man'. And he told Vincent that if he were rich he would purchase all Vincent's paintings, because Vincent was unable to sell any of them.
When the pair returned from the sunflower fields, children from Camille's school teased them mercifully and this upset Camille. But when he got home his father calmed him down telling him that people often laugh at others who are different and that one day everyone would love Vincent's paintings.
However, the villagers did not like Vincent painting all the time and they went to the postman and gave him a letter to give to Vincent to tell him to pack up his paints and move on. Camille was again upset and he ran down the street to see Vincent, who had heard of the villagers' unrest and was already packing up his paints. He told Camille not to be sad and that it was time for him to move on and paint somewhere else where people might like his pictures.
Before he left he showed Camille a big picture of sunflowers in the vase that Camille had given him and this prompted Camille to sadly say, 'Goodbye, Sunflower Man'. He then returned home and Vincent left the town.
The final scene of the book moves forward many years and proves that Camille's father was correct for people did learn to love Vincent's paintings and they are seen queuing to visit galleries and museums all over the world just to see examples of his work, particularly his studies of the sunflowers.
Laurence Anholt has produced a charming book with a sympathetically told tale augmented by delightful illustrations, including superb examples of some of Vincent's work.
One day a man with a yellow beard, wearing a straw hat arrived on the train and he introduced himself as Vincent the painter to the postman and his son. The visitor had no money and no friends but he moved into a yellow house at the end of Camille's street.
Camille's father determined to assist him and therefore he loaded up his post cart with old pots, pans and furniture for Vincent. And to make the house more decorative, Camille picked a huge bunch of sunflowers and put them in a huge brown vase.
Vincent was so pleased he asked Camille's father if he would like his picture painted and as Camille watched, he saw the face of his father appear, as if by magic, on a canvas. Vincent went on to paint the whole family, Camille's mother, his older brother, his baby sister and Camille himself.
Camille was so pleased he took his portrait to school to show his friends but they didn't like it and laughed at it and they went on to tease Camille about his new friend. They even told Camille that his friend should get a proper job rather than paint all day.
But Camille was entranced and spent many afternoons watching Vincent work in the fields, painting sunflowers and the sunflower fields; Camille even christened him 'The Sunflower Man'. And he told Vincent that if he were rich he would purchase all Vincent's paintings, because Vincent was unable to sell any of them.
When the pair returned from the sunflower fields, children from Camille's school teased them mercifully and this upset Camille. But when he got home his father calmed him down telling him that people often laugh at others who are different and that one day everyone would love Vincent's paintings.
However, the villagers did not like Vincent painting all the time and they went to the postman and gave him a letter to give to Vincent to tell him to pack up his paints and move on. Camille was again upset and he ran down the street to see Vincent, who had heard of the villagers' unrest and was already packing up his paints. He told Camille not to be sad and that it was time for him to move on and paint somewhere else where people might like his pictures.
Before he left he showed Camille a big picture of sunflowers in the vase that Camille had given him and this prompted Camille to sadly say, 'Goodbye, Sunflower Man'. He then returned home and Vincent left the town.
The final scene of the book moves forward many years and proves that Camille's father was correct for people did learn to love Vincent's paintings and they are seen queuing to visit galleries and museums all over the world just to see examples of his work, particularly his studies of the sunflowers.
Laurence Anholt has produced a charming book with a sympathetically told tale augmented by delightful illustrations, including superb examples of some of Vincent's work.
April 5, 2010
If I was a little one and someone read this book to me, I'd ask tens of questions:
(1)Is this story true?
(2)Why Vincent came to live in the yellow house and why he had no money and no friends?
(3)Why some men from the town wanted Vincent to leave their town?
my favorite part is the ending
"Camille's father was right. People did learn to love Vincent's paintings. Today, you would have to have a lot of money if you wanted to buy one. But now people all over the world go to musems and gallaries just to see Vincent's paintings..."
this book highlights the Postman and how VG painted him and his family members.
I liked this book and if I was a little one, I think it will trigger my interest to learn more about this artist.
(1)Is this story true?
(2)Why Vincent came to live in the yellow house and why he had no money and no friends?
(3)Why some men from the town wanted Vincent to leave their town?
my favorite part is the ending
"Camille's father was right. People did learn to love Vincent's paintings. Today, you would have to have a lot of money if you wanted to buy one. But now people all over the world go to musems and gallaries just to see Vincent's paintings..."
this book highlights the Postman and how VG painted him and his family members.
I liked this book and if I was a little one, I think it will trigger my interest to learn more about this artist.
July 9, 2013
Many people have made much money from Vincent Van Gogh's paintings -- sadly, he was not one of them. This sweet story from an incident in Van Gogh's life both delighted and saddened me. I was delighted to find out that the lonely painter had non-family benefactors and non-painter friends; and I was saddened to find out he was run out of town.
Unlike other of Laurence Anholt's artist series books, the pictures in this book have the feeling of Van Gogh's work, but are not illustrated in the style of Van Gogh's work. For a children's book, that is a good thing. Van Gogh's work is not especially pretty, but is incredibly powerful, evocative and complex. I think Laurence Anholt struck exactly the right tone in these illustrations.
Unlike other of Laurence Anholt's artist series books, the pictures in this book have the feeling of Van Gogh's work, but are not illustrated in the style of Van Gogh's work. For a children's book, that is a good thing. Van Gogh's work is not especially pretty, but is incredibly powerful, evocative and complex. I think Laurence Anholt struck exactly the right tone in these illustrations.
October 3, 2019
I love Vincent Van Gogh and I believe I would have been one of those people to have become enamored with his art if I lived in his lifetime. This book introduces his artwork and the opinion of the people in response to his new style of painting (impressionism) during the time.
May 31, 2019
Great one for small kids.
October 1, 2024
Great book
April 30, 2013
Author/Illustrator: Laurence Anholt
First Published: 1994
30ish pages, easy vocabulary, full colour, full page illustrations in the style of Vincent Van Gogh, focussing on his time spent in Arles, France, 1888-1889.
Another book from Anholt's Artists collection, this time focussing on Vincent Van Gogh and his time spent in Arles, France, 1888-1889, and the Roulin family.
Anholt bases his Artists' collection on the stories of real children who met the artists. In "Van Gogh and the Sunflowers", Camille Roulin, son of the local postman who had befriended Van Gogh, was painted as part of a set of family portraits by Van Gogh. In the book, Anholt demonstrates the unusual portrait style - non-photographic but emotive and imaginative with a stunning use of colour - and how this new techniques was not readily accepted by the public. Unexpectedly, we move into an interesting story on being different and looking for acceptance. Plus there is the fear of the unknown and tragic "bullying" of Van Gogh from the Yellow House in March 1889 after 30 townspeople petitioned to have "fou roux" (the redheaded madman) cast out.
Note: Some of the imagery alludes to his madness/depression and the loss of his ear (severed in Dec 1888). Further, the artist notes refer to his subsequent suicide.
A beautiful book that will appeal to many a budding artist.
App
An iPad App has been developed with a focus on art history, explores spatial reasoning through basic animation, and a look at acceptance and diversity.
Age:
Read aloud: 5+
Read yourself: 8+
(ISBN 9780764138546)
First Published: 1994
30ish pages, easy vocabulary, full colour, full page illustrations in the style of Vincent Van Gogh, focussing on his time spent in Arles, France, 1888-1889.
Another book from Anholt's Artists collection, this time focussing on Vincent Van Gogh and his time spent in Arles, France, 1888-1889, and the Roulin family.
Anholt bases his Artists' collection on the stories of real children who met the artists. In "Van Gogh and the Sunflowers", Camille Roulin, son of the local postman who had befriended Van Gogh, was painted as part of a set of family portraits by Van Gogh. In the book, Anholt demonstrates the unusual portrait style - non-photographic but emotive and imaginative with a stunning use of colour - and how this new techniques was not readily accepted by the public. Unexpectedly, we move into an interesting story on being different and looking for acceptance. Plus there is the fear of the unknown and tragic "bullying" of Van Gogh from the Yellow House in March 1889 after 30 townspeople petitioned to have "fou roux" (the redheaded madman) cast out.
Note: Some of the imagery alludes to his madness/depression and the loss of his ear (severed in Dec 1888). Further, the artist notes refer to his subsequent suicide.
A beautiful book that will appeal to many a budding artist.
App
An iPad App has been developed with a focus on art history, explores spatial reasoning through basic animation, and a look at acceptance and diversity.
Age:
Read aloud: 5+
Read yourself: 8+
(ISBN 9780764138546)
June 27, 2020
I'd like to hear what children have to say if they read this on their own. It's best used with an adult, however. Kids should know that Van Gogh is a famous artist, and that the paintings in this story are examples of his work.
This is a wonderful intro to the idea that there's a story behind every painting. Why did the artist choose to paint this scene/portrait? What's included in the scene? Who's the person? Where was the artist living when this was painted? ...
The last page provides additional info about Van Gogh.
I'll watch for other titles by this author.
This is a wonderful intro to the idea that there's a story behind every painting. Why did the artist choose to paint this scene/portrait? What's included in the scene? Who's the person? Where was the artist living when this was painted? ...
The last page provides additional info about Van Gogh.
I'll watch for other titles by this author.
March 14, 2012
This is the fictionalized story of a young boy and his family who welcomed Vincent Van Gogh to their village when everyone else in town turned their backs on him. The boy, Camille, is sorry that Vincent is so poor and that no one appreciates his work. He brings him a bunch of sunflowers to cheer him up. In this volume in Anholt's "artist" series, the real paintings are fully integrated into the story. Van Gogh's famous "postman" portrait is of Camille's father, for example.
May 28, 2015
Van Gogh may be my favorite artist and I love Anholt, so it was a given that I would love this book. It's not quite as good as the Picasso. Maybe because the story is more sad. Still, this is just as relevant as the Picasso and as helpful in interesting children in art in general and the individual behind the masterpiece.
February 1, 2019
Written in a child friendly way, this book tells the story of Vincent Van Gogh. This book beautifully brings Vincent Van Gogh to life as it explains how he moved to a new town with nothing but his art equipment, he moves into a yellow house and begins to pain the things he loves. It begins by him painting the family of Camille who loves watching him work and loves the smells of the paint. Each family member represents a real painting that was painted by Vincent Van Gogh. When Van Gogh paints Camille, he takes the painting into school, the different style of Van Gogh is not appreciated by the community and results in running him out of the town. It explains the inspiration for the famous sunflower painting.
The way this true story is represented gives a new example of non-fiction that I have not seen before. This enticing story creates an interest in Van Gogh and his work. A perfect introduction that could be used as a starter to an artist study in art, or to teach tolerance and not judging the creations of others.
The way this true story is represented gives a new example of non-fiction that I have not seen before. This enticing story creates an interest in Van Gogh and his work. A perfect introduction that could be used as a starter to an artist study in art, or to teach tolerance and not judging the creations of others.
September 6, 2021
This picture book tells a story based on the life of Vincent Van Gogh that is very relatable to children. The story is based in fact and includes reproductions of several of Van Gogh's paintings to tell the tale. Vincent Van Gogh had a lot of sadness and hardship in his life, which is depicted in this story, but it was still pretty good because of the balance of light and dark by including sunflowers.
March 24, 2024
'Art is to console those who are broken by life.' ✨️
-Vincent van Gogh
I really enjoy learning about artists through short stories like this. The combination of simple language and beautiful illustrations makes the history come alive in a way that's both easy to understand and visually appealing. It's a great way to dive into the lives of artists and appreciate their work.
-Vincent van Gogh
I really enjoy learning about artists through short stories like this. The combination of simple language and beautiful illustrations makes the history come alive in a way that's both easy to understand and visually appealing. It's a great way to dive into the lives of artists and appreciate their work.
July 15, 2012
Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tonight's read with my daughter was Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt. Again, I read this when it was published back in early 1999, but this was the first time for her. I guess that is one of the things I love about being a mother, I get the joy of watching my daughter experience some of my favorite books for the first time. This was one of Anholt's less wordy picture books, and it was perfect for my two-year-old. She loved the illustrations and the story. The vivid illustrations jumped off the page and I had to pause numerous times as my two-year-old touched the sunflowers on the page.
We see the painter Vincent van Gogh through the eyes of one of his subjects, Camille. His family befriends the painter on his arrival in town. They show up at his yellow cottage with furniture and all the needed extras to make his stay comfortable in his new home. In return the painter paints Camille's whole family: the postmaster, his wife, Camille's older brother, Camille, and even the baby. Camille loves to watch Vincent paint, and he especially loves the colors that Vincent uses in his paintings, but the town folk are not as taken with the painter. Ultimately, Vincent is forced to move on, and Camille gives his friend a tearful good-bye.
The book ends with Camille's father comforting his son about the loss of their friend, Vincent van Gogh, and he tells Camille that one day the odd little painter will be much appreciated. Truer words were never spoken.
Both my daughter and I hated to leave the colorful world of Vincent van Gogh. A great read for young and old alike.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tonight's read with my daughter was Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt. Again, I read this when it was published back in early 1999, but this was the first time for her. I guess that is one of the things I love about being a mother, I get the joy of watching my daughter experience some of my favorite books for the first time. This was one of Anholt's less wordy picture books, and it was perfect for my two-year-old. She loved the illustrations and the story. The vivid illustrations jumped off the page and I had to pause numerous times as my two-year-old touched the sunflowers on the page.
We see the painter Vincent van Gogh through the eyes of one of his subjects, Camille. His family befriends the painter on his arrival in town. They show up at his yellow cottage with furniture and all the needed extras to make his stay comfortable in his new home. In return the painter paints Camille's whole family: the postmaster, his wife, Camille's older brother, Camille, and even the baby. Camille loves to watch Vincent paint, and he especially loves the colors that Vincent uses in his paintings, but the town folk are not as taken with the painter. Ultimately, Vincent is forced to move on, and Camille gives his friend a tearful good-bye.
The book ends with Camille's father comforting his son about the loss of their friend, Vincent van Gogh, and he tells Camille that one day the odd little painter will be much appreciated. Truer words were never spoken.
Both my daughter and I hated to leave the colorful world of Vincent van Gogh. A great read for young and old alike.
February 12, 2015
This is one of my favorite children's book. I have always been interested in Van Gogh and his art. It has always been interesting to me that no on enjoyed his paintings in the time he was living and how frustrating that would be. Now that he is dead they are some of the most famous paintings in the world. I found that portrayed in this book very well. Than I loved learning new information about this family he became friends with. I think this would be a wonderful book for children and it would give you a great opportunity to teach them about the history of this painter. Also it is great lesson for people to not dislike something just because it is different.
November 29, 2012
You never see many children's biography books about artists bit this book is definitely a book I would use in my classroom. This book tells a story of camille, a young girl who becomes friends with the lesser-known, poor artist Vincent Van Gogh. It follows him and hos story and painting and would definitely capture art for students. However, the text might not be as catching as necessary.
I would recommend this book to all elementary aged students, k-1 grade probably as a read aloud. It is a great book, but I wonder if it is true or not. It could definitely be a great intro to art projects.
I would recommend this book to all elementary aged students, k-1 grade probably as a read aloud. It is a great book, but I wonder if it is true or not. It could definitely be a great intro to art projects.
May 24, 2013
Camille and the Sunflowers recaptures a snippet in time in the life of painter Vincent Van Gogh. He was a poor man, traveling from town to town in order to fulfill his passion of painting. A lovely picture book that ellicits a feeling of pure joy for nature.
Van Gogh meets a young family and sets his mind to painting the family and the countryside. These pictures become some of the most famous and well known works by the artist. A simple and joyous book to introduce Vincent Van Gogh to young people.
Van Gogh meets a young family and sets his mind to painting the family and the countryside. These pictures become some of the most famous and well known works by the artist. A simple and joyous book to introduce Vincent Van Gogh to young people.
March 1, 2016
Love these artist in focus books! A story told of the author's life is a personalized approach to getting to know an master artist. We used this book to during our art exploration, looking at van Gogh's particular style, colours used and textures. It's fun to then grab some art supplies and recreate the images. A deeper appreciation develops when we get to know an artist personally and see how difficult it is to capture their paintings on paper! Fun and inspiring while nurturing a love of the arts.
April 18, 2017
A beautiful picture book that takes a brief snapshot of a period in Vincent Van Gogh's life. Vincent rolls into a small town to paint, but is bullied and teased by the people there because he is different. Camille and his family befriend him and eventually become subjects of his paintings.
Loved how they had the illustrations of the story, but then showed a reproduction of one of Van Gogh's pictures (i.e. the portrait of Camille and the little boy Camille in the story).
Loved how they had the illustrations of the story, but then showed a reproduction of one of Van Gogh's pictures (i.e. the portrait of Camille and the little boy Camille in the story).
January 14, 2021
I had to veto this book after previewing for my children. For non readers, the main narrative and illustrations are fine, but for a young but adept reader like my son, I did not want him stumbling upon “he shot himself in the head with a pistol” in the biographical notes at the end. Too much detail for a children’s book. I preferred Rosenstock’s “Vincent Paints the Night Sky” for capturing his style and story in a more age appropriate way.
October 20, 2014
This book is an amazing introduction to the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. The children would be able to explore the biography of Van Gogh, his paintings and relationship he had with the community. The book has great illustrations that are smaller versions of the real paintings. The book could be used as an informational piece for the early grades, before going to the Museum Of Modern Art
April 14, 2015
Another great picture book about a famous artist. I love this series by Laurence Anholt. They share a wee part of the artist's life, include pieces of their work that they are famous for. And help provide some insight into what made the artists create what they did. Great books to share with children.
April 21, 2016
I really enjoy how the author manages to capture the feel of the art of each of the artists he writes about. I am a sucker for Van Gogh, so of course I liked this, but I did think that this one did not do as good a job with conveying the complexities of Van Gogh's personality as well as he did with some of the others in this series.
February 21, 2016
I labeled this as a work of historical fiction since I do not see an author note saying how much liberties she had to take with her writing. That being said this was a beautiful but sad read about Vincent van Gogh and a family that became some of his closest friends and supporters while he lived in the famous "Yellow House."
July 14, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. My 2yr old was distracting so I think that hindered my 4yr old from really enjoying it. This will definitely be a book we visit again when I do art study with my 4yr old in the fall.
May 22, 2012
Loved how several of Van Gogh's paintings made appearances. An holt sometimes showed small reproductions of Van Gogh's work, but also sometimes slyly set the scene inside one of the paintings. My students enjoyed spotting thm.
September 5, 2008
Sensitively portraying the tortured life of a genius who wasn't discovered until he cut off his ear, shot himself in the stomach and wandered back into town...then died.
January 30, 2011
Everybody didn't like his paintings, but he kept on trying.
April 24, 2012
Excellent book to teach children about art. This book is about the life story of Vincent Van Gogh. It is an ideal book to use to teach a lesson about this famous artist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews