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Résumé
Set during van Gogh's time in Arles, France, this story tells of van Gogh's friendship with a young boy, Jacques, who lives in the same house. As van Gogh teaches Jacques a new way to look at the world around him, the two become fast friends, even brothers. When van Gogh finally leaves Arles, he leaves behind some paintings; but more than paintings, he leaves memories which will last the young boy a lifetime.
Illustrated with paintings done in the impressionist style, THE FIRST STARRY NIGHT is a beautiful introduction to van Gogh's work as well as a moving story about the true meaning of friendship and brotherhood.
Critiques (4)
Critique de School Library Journal
K-Gr 3ÄJacques, an orphaned potwasher in Arles, makes friends with the artist-lodger Vincent. The painter's odd ways have made him feared by the villagers, but his kindness toward a cat endears him to Jacques. Their friendship grows, and Vincent begins to explain what and how he sees. To the lonely boy he becomes a "brother of the heart." Jacques hopes for Vincent's success, but only one painting sells. The man departs, but he has left paintings in lieu of payment and arranged for Jacques to go to school. The boy's favorite paintingÄThe Starry NightÄpatches the ceiling above his bed and, looking at it, he realizes that his lost friend "is not lost at all." This simple story is illustrated by page after page of Van Gogh-like paintings. Although none is actually a copy of any particular work, recognizable elements of the artist's styleÄimpasto, haloes, discrete brushstrokesÄdistinguish them all. The subject matter is also familiar: cornfield, snow, sunflower, narrow red bed, flowering trees, rustic chair, etc. The intense palette of reds, oranges, blues, and purples also echoes the master. Purists may argue that near-Van Gogh is no substitute for the real thing, but this appealing book could introduce the techniques and themes of the impressionists in a pleasantly accessible way.ÄPatricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Critique du Publishers Weekly
The siren call of Vincent Van Gogh's vivid style and romantic outsider status makes the artist an appealing but tricky subject for those who would attract children to fine art. In her first book for children, Isom tells of Jacques, an orphan who befriends the beleaguered painter in Arles, emphasizing Van Gogh's kindness to children and animals. The two friends walk, talk and eat within full-page, swirling settings reminiscent of the artist's paintings. The ever-practical Jacques is sweetly protective of Vincent's physical and financial health, and the infinitely patient artist in turn counsels the child not to worry about money. Unfortunately, Isom's PG-rated Van Gogh lacks spark and her illustrations look fuzzy and sentimental next to the lone reproductionThe Starry Nightwhich fairly leaps off the page. Neophytes who do find this avuncular Vincent compelling will find no bibliography, picture locator or biographical sketch to help them explore further. Ages 6-12. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Critique de Horn Book
Jacques, a young French boy, helps Madame Rouel in her kitchen. After washing the pots and pans, he visits his friend, Vincent, an artist who lives upstairs. This fictional account of Vincent van Gogh's short stay in Arles, Frances, is warmly seen through Jacques's eyes and illustrated with richly colored paintings reminiscent of Van Gogh. From HORN BOOK Fall 1998, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Critique de Booklist
Ages 6-9. Using a young boy's acquaintance with a famous person (as in Barbara Nichols' 1995 book Beethoven Lives Upstairs), authors can cut to the essence of an artist without becoming bogged down in biographical detail. In this case, young Jacques lives in the house in Arles, France, where Vincent van Gogh boards, and the two become close friends, even "brothers of the heart." Jacques worries about Vincent's using so much expensive paint when he can't sell his paintings, and about his having to tack a version of his Starry Night to the ceiling to cover a leak. The dialogue is flat and unbelievable. Still, Isom catches the poignancy of the painter's life, and by using a style similar to van Gogh's in her illustrations, she captures the allure of painting. (Reviewed April 15, 1998)1879085968Susan Dove Lempke