Meeting Cezanne

Juvenile Fiction/ Social Issues
Ages 7 to 10 , Grades 2 to 5
Pages 80 Hardcover (paperback B/W ARC) - Tiny size?

Preparing for our kindergarten year I have had art and artist themed picture books on the brain. I know this one is for 2nd+ but when I saw the cover I just had to look at it for review. Candlewick Press provided me with an advanced reader copy for the purpose of review. I found myself surprised by a few things, but pleased overall. The book was very small in size and the illustrations were black and white. I was expecting a typical picture book so this was intriguing.

The story itself was intriguing as readers follow a boy Yannick on an adventure away from home when his mother is ill. It is told in a diary/journal format and I find that this book could be a useful example in many settings. It is useful on showing the importance of journal keeping; doing an artist study it would provide an interesting element. As for the plot twist, it was unexpected and amusing.

Given who the artists are I believe the story would best be appreciated as a follow-up to Cezanne and Picasso rather than an introduction. It's cute and quaint.

Thanks to Candlewick Press.