School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 UpIt's a delight to see the 12 calendar pages from the most beautiful Book of Hours of the late medieval period reproduced as full-page pictures in this slim volume. In each of the meticulously rendered scenes of castles, courtiers, and well-tilled fields there are a multitude of authentic details about the Middle Ages. Opposite each of the pictures is the name of the month with the first letter decorated in the style of medieval illumination, and a paragraph of commentary by Sister Wendy Beckett. Her remarks are both descriptive, pointing out details to be noted and appreciated, and conversational. Her chatty observations are informal and personal, like her entertaining TV programs on art history. In her view the medieval world is full of fortunate people. The peasants live in harmony with one another and the earth they plow and plant while the aristocrats, though richly dressed and dwelling in the Duke's magnificent castles, are bound by rules and held to behavior suitable to their rank. Sister Wendy's benign view of medieval life fittingly reflects the artists' efforts to show the domains of their patron, the Duc de Berry, to be well-ordered and prosperous. This is a lovely book to pore over, rich in its art, providing a rosy window through which to see a fascinating period of history.Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-6. The editing is a little loose at times, but it's hard not to appreciate the warm, unaffected tone of this book, which introduces a work of art (and a way of life) that children probably won't learn much about in elementary school--namely, the 12 calendar paintings in the duc de Berry's Book of Hours. Each right-hand page presents a full-page reproduction of one of the paintings. Left-hand pages contain the name of the corresponding month, a miniature of the painting, complete with a zodiac sign (unfortunately, far too small to be appreciated), and a detail from the artwork. The conversational text, which occasionally challenges kids to think about or answer questions, concentrates on the activities taking place in the work and points out special details as well as the contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the peasantry. Picture Ladies will find the book useful for guiding discussion; art enthusiasts can read it on their own. The best so far in the very uneven Adventures in Art series. --Stephanie Zvirin