From School Library Journal
Grades 5-8--This brief biography focuses on the artist's decision to move to Tahiti and his life there. It merely touches on the fact that he left his wife and children behind. There are few insights into his art in terms of technique or style. The analyses of certain paintings describe the subject, such as the goddess Oviri who looks after the Kingdom of the Dead or the little black pigs that are only eaten during special celebrations. Readers unfamiliar with Gauguin will garner some information but will probably not be able to explain why he is considered such an important artist unless they are instantly taken by the examples of his works, often full page with good color quality. There are some black-and-white photos of the man, his family, and friends. Some of the incidental details about his life and art are interesting, but there is not enough to make the book useful for reports, and its meandering style may be too casual to be a useful introduction.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
This colorful and exciting book follows the French artist Paul Gaugin on his journey to a tropical South Sea island: Tahiti. Through Gaugin's colorful paintings, young readers learn about the wonders of the island, the lives of its inhabitants, and its exotic tropical plants and animals.
