From Publishers Weekly
Le Tord here does for Matisse what she did for Claude Monet in A Blue Butterfly: she bends her watercolor style to incorporate suggestions of Matisse's famous works, and her scant, poetic text tells readers just enough to kindle an appreciation for Matisse's genius. The artist is already old and accomplished when he is introduced here, newly arrived in Nice and influenced by the extraordinary light. His colors change; his friends say, "He paints/ the sunshine/ everyday./.../ He works/ joyfully,/ with a light/ heart." Le Tord's sun-steeped art brings out that lightness of heart: her portraits of Matisse radiate his happiness and sense of play. While her versions of his paintings are more a blending of her style and his (as opposed to imitation), they capture Matisse's optimism. She doesn't give much in the way of facts (not even saying where, exactly, Nice is located), but when she declares that "Matisse/ made us/ 'hear'/ with our/ eyes/ the music/ he painted/ in his/ pictures," her meaning comes through loud and clearAthere is music in her work, too. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-This lovely tribute to the father of modern art begins with his move to Nice, where he created some of his most joyful paintings, until his death at 84. The book is composed of simple statements about his later life and artwork-"Because of the delicate and bright sun of Nice, Matisse's colors changed." Occasional quotes from the painter or from his friends illuminate the joy he took in all the arts-music, dance, sculpture, and, of course, painting and paper collage. Masterful illustrations filled with the rich colors, sparkling light, and bold shapes that the artist loved echo his vision of life. This beautiful creation allows children to experience two gifted artists-Matisse and Le Tord.Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Less a story than an analysis of Matisse's art, particularly after his move to Nice, this companion to A Blue Butterfly (1995), on Monet, also combines visual recasting of selected works with poetic commentary: ``To his color palette he added the bluest sapphire blue he could imagine. And with it he painted the Mediterranean Sea.'' Using a free style of brushwork that evokes Matisse's own joy and energy, Le Tord alternates her versions of his art with scenes of the man himself, always nattily dressed, always industriously making art. This perceptive personal tribute will enhance readers' appreciation for Matisse's work; they won't mind going elsewhere for biographical details, and reproductions of his actual paintings, sculpture, and collages. (Picture book. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Book Description
In the brilliant sun of Nice, Henri Matisse painted the brightest, boldest colors he could imagine. Joyfully he painted everywhere and everyone. Enchanted and with a light heart, he painted all the time. This lovely book introduces young readers to the beloved painter Henri Matisse. With delightful illustrations, Le Tord captures the vivid colors of Matisse, and her poetic words sing to the music of his pictures.
Card catalog description
Simple text and bright illustrations describe the work of French painter, Henri Matisse, particularly his joyful use of color.
A Bird or Two: A Story about Henri Matisse FROM THE PUBLISHER
Greens greener than apples, yellows more yellow than lemonsﾽ
In the brilliant sun of Nice, France, Henri Matisse painted the brightest, boldest colors he could imagine. Joyfully he painted everywhere and everyone. Enchanted and with a light heart, he painted all the time.
The first in a new series of picture books about artists, A Bird or Two introduces young readers to the beloved painter Henri Matisse. Bijou Le Tordﾽs delightful illustrations capture the vivid colors of Matisse, and her poetic words sing to the music of his pictures.
FROM THE CRITICS
Horn Book Magazine
Echoing Matisse's intense, beautifully balanced palette, his freely brushed black lines, and even his actual paintings, Le Tord creates a series of vibrant illustrations that in many ways resemble Matisse's own work.
Publishers Weekly
When [Le Tord] declares that ﾽMatisse/made us/'hear'/with our/eyes/the music/he painted/in his/pictures,ﾽ her meaning comes through loud and clear—there is music in her work, too.
School Library Journal
This lovely tribute to the father of modern art begins with his move to Nice, where he created some of his most joyful paintings, until his death at 84.... Masterful illustrations filled with the rich colors, sparkling lights, and bold shapes that the artist loved echo his vision of life. This beautiful creation allows children to experience two gifted artists—Matisse and Le Tord.
Children's Literature - Jeanne Pettenati
This book, with its many lush pictures, introduces children to the art of Henri Matisse. The pictures draw readers into the world that Matisse created through his work. And this work should appeal greatly to young children because it is colorful, creative and simple. Concise text supplements the pictures, which carry the story. The text does successfully convey several points about the painter to readers. Children are likely to have questions after hearing the story and viewing the pictures. This should stimulate further interest in the subject. A partial list of museums that house Matisse's paintings, drawings, paper cutouts, and sculptures is included at the beginning of the book.
Art & Photography
Book Info
