What do you think?
Rate this book
The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse
If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of color and art? Full of lines and dancing figures?
Find out in this beautiful, unusual picture book about one of the world's most famous and influential artists by acclaimed author and Newbery Medal-winning Patricia MacLachlan and innovative illustrator Hadley Hooper.
A Neal Porter Book
Find out in this beautiful, unusual picture book about one of the world's most famous and influential artists by acclaimed author and Newbery Medal-winning Patricia MacLachlan and innovative illustrator Hadley Hooper.
A Neal Porter Book
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2014
8 people are currently reading
2140 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
125 books805 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
May 29, 2022
Although Patricia MacLachlan’s presented text for her 2014 picture book The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is descriptive, flowing and definitely gives a delightful written portrait of moving from greyness to colour and as such also showing what some if not many of Henri Matisse’s main inspirations and reasons were for him becoming an artist, a famous painter, there are still and nevertheless three prime bones of reading contention for in particular my adult self concerning The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse.
For one and first and foremost, that Patricia MacLachlan’s text for The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is basically just two long and drawn out run-on sentences, sorry, but I personally do not only find this hugely and annoyingly distracting but also quite syntactically problematic, as it does seem to normalise and even celebrate phrases that are too long and convoluted. Furthermore, I equally do catch myself thinking that in The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse Patricia MacLachlan might actually be deliberately trying to be more than a trifle Dickensian or Kafkaesque with those unwieldingly long sentences (and that honestly, MacLachlan should really rather be trying to avoid this type of writing style at all costs and not to give with her run on phrases her young readers or listeners the idea and the impression that this kind of penmanship is acceptable and perhaps even to be imitated and copied).
For two, I also kind of think that the book title of The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is a trifle misleading, as Patricia MacLachlan really seems to write considerably more and to provide more textual information on and about Henri Matisse’s mother than about Henri Matisse himself (who most definitely appears in The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse but is in my opinion not really the main player but mostly just his mother’s eager and willing apprentice and student). And well, the book title of The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse really does not truly show this in my opinion, it does in no way demonstrate that the primary focus and character of this book is going to be Henri Matisse’s mother and how she was obviously one of his artistic inspirations and maybe even the main reason why Henri Matisse decided to become a painter.
And for three because The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is (as mentioned above) more about Henri Matisse’s mother, there is of course also not nearly enough textual detail about Henri Matisse himself and his life provided by Patricia MacLachlan, leaving The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse rather a bit lacking for providing a good introduction to Henri Matisse.
However, The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is still a fun and engaging explanation as to how and why Matisse became an artist, and since Hadley Hooper’s accompanying illustrations are truly and utterly visually delightful and do a simply wonderful job both mitrroring Patricia MacLachlan’s text (and also illustratively expanding on it), I do warmly recommend The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse and rate it with a very solidly high three (and indeed almost four) stars.
And finally, I do appreciate that Patricia MacLachlan has included a bibliography for The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse but wish that it were a bit more boldly and prominently displayed, as indeed, I almost missed it.
For one and first and foremost, that Patricia MacLachlan’s text for The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is basically just two long and drawn out run-on sentences, sorry, but I personally do not only find this hugely and annoyingly distracting but also quite syntactically problematic, as it does seem to normalise and even celebrate phrases that are too long and convoluted. Furthermore, I equally do catch myself thinking that in The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse Patricia MacLachlan might actually be deliberately trying to be more than a trifle Dickensian or Kafkaesque with those unwieldingly long sentences (and that honestly, MacLachlan should really rather be trying to avoid this type of writing style at all costs and not to give with her run on phrases her young readers or listeners the idea and the impression that this kind of penmanship is acceptable and perhaps even to be imitated and copied).
For two, I also kind of think that the book title of The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is a trifle misleading, as Patricia MacLachlan really seems to write considerably more and to provide more textual information on and about Henri Matisse’s mother than about Henri Matisse himself (who most definitely appears in The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse but is in my opinion not really the main player but mostly just his mother’s eager and willing apprentice and student). And well, the book title of The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse really does not truly show this in my opinion, it does in no way demonstrate that the primary focus and character of this book is going to be Henri Matisse’s mother and how she was obviously one of his artistic inspirations and maybe even the main reason why Henri Matisse decided to become a painter.
And for three because The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is (as mentioned above) more about Henri Matisse’s mother, there is of course also not nearly enough textual detail about Henri Matisse himself and his life provided by Patricia MacLachlan, leaving The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse rather a bit lacking for providing a good introduction to Henri Matisse.
However, The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is still a fun and engaging explanation as to how and why Matisse became an artist, and since Hadley Hooper’s accompanying illustrations are truly and utterly visually delightful and do a simply wonderful job both mitrroring Patricia MacLachlan’s text (and also illustratively expanding on it), I do warmly recommend The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse and rate it with a very solidly high three (and indeed almost four) stars.
And finally, I do appreciate that Patricia MacLachlan has included a bibliography for The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse but wish that it were a bit more boldly and prominently displayed, as indeed, I almost missed it.
September 27, 2017
Matisse has been one of my favorite artists since forever! His art is a joyful mix of fabulous colors and patterns. The Iridescence of Birds is also a joyful mix of fabulous color woodblock prints and Patricia McLachlan's poetic word patterns.
The more I read this bright and brief picture book, the more my heart sings with joy over the simple elegance with which author and illustrator celebrate Matisse coming to his art and staying true to his life long vision of creating something beautiful in an often dark and dreary world.
I love the fact that McLachlan details the joy his mother brought Matisse in sharing the pleasures of color and pattern with him. Mothers so rarely receive the recognition they deserve. This book begs to be read with a child - or a group of children in an art lesson. It invites conversation, it invites questions and exploration. It invites admiration and a return to Matisse's art!
I love the title - The Iridescence of Pigeons...to recognize they are not just pesky gray birds but reflect light in magical ways only the truly observant see. Like children.
There is a wonderful photograph in one of my biographies of Matisse showing him later in life, confined to a wheel chair, surrounded by his birds some of his marvelously creative cut-outs pinned to the walls. I was amused (and happy) to read he gave his pigeons to Picasso on his death. Which reminds me of another delightful children's art book called Pigasso and Mootisie. A wild riot of color, competition, and eventual friendship w mutual admiration.
The more I read this bright and brief picture book, the more my heart sings with joy over the simple elegance with which author and illustrator celebrate Matisse coming to his art and staying true to his life long vision of creating something beautiful in an often dark and dreary world.
I love the fact that McLachlan details the joy his mother brought Matisse in sharing the pleasures of color and pattern with him. Mothers so rarely receive the recognition they deserve. This book begs to be read with a child - or a group of children in an art lesson. It invites conversation, it invites questions and exploration. It invites admiration and a return to Matisse's art!
I love the title - The Iridescence of Pigeons...to recognize they are not just pesky gray birds but reflect light in magical ways only the truly observant see. Like children.
There is a wonderful photograph in one of my biographies of Matisse showing him later in life, confined to a wheel chair, surrounded by his birds some of his marvelously creative cut-outs pinned to the walls. I was amused (and happy) to read he gave his pigeons to Picasso on his death. Which reminds me of another delightful children's art book called Pigasso and Mootisie. A wild riot of color, competition, and eventual friendship w mutual admiration.
February 21, 2024
Lovely. Accessible to preschoolers, effective for all ages. Even works well enough on overdrive/libby on the tablet, though of course I wish I'd been able to read the paper version.
I used to own Jazz. It would, of course, be a great companion to this.
I will consider reading these from the bibliography:
Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors
Matisse Dance with Joy
A Bird or Two: A Story About Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse
---
Found a paper copy to (re)read! And oh, my, yes, a joy.
I highly recommend either the ebook or the paper book.
I used to own Jazz. It would, of course, be a great companion to this.
I will consider reading these from the bibliography:
Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors
Matisse Dance with Joy
A Bird or Two: A Story About Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse
---
Found a paper copy to (re)read! And oh, my, yes, a joy.
I highly recommend either the ebook or the paper book.
January 12, 2015
Apart from having the loveliest title I have ever encountered, the illustrations are charming and a fitting homage to Henri Matisse and the story is a perfect vehicle to introduce children to the whimsical artist.
October 23, 2014
Picture book biographies are fast becoming my favorites and this one about a young Matisse and his awesome mother is a beauty.
January 21, 2015
I am forever telling grown-ups to visit the children's department for picture book biographies. If you have not yet heeded my advice, you really are missing out on some wonderful and informative books. The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse is a 5-star example of the best in picture book biographies. The book focuses on Matisse's earliest artistic inclinations and influences. Award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan was inspired by a statement by the artist: "I got my sense of color from my mother." Very simple sentences tell the story of Henri and his maman and their life together in a bright home with "pictures of meadows and trees, rivers and birds" in a "dreary town in northern France where the skies were gray." The lovely, flowing language would be a perfect read-aloud for ages 4 and up. Equally striking are the illustrations by artist Hadley Hooper. What a daunting task, to illustrate a picture book about this giant of artistic achievement. Hooper carries it off beautifully, creating images that provide a sense -- a taste or an echo -- of Matisse's work, while maintaining her own style. Henri and his mother, their home and town, are darkly outlined and filled with strong earthy tones. Yet the bright, flowing, abstract shapes for which Matisse is famous are apparent in almost collage-like elements throughout the book. I have been to Matisse exhibits, read books about his art, and still learned something new about his life and influences from The Iridescence of Birds. Once again, the children's biography section yields another opportunity to pause for a few minutes to learn while enjoying lovely language and beautiful images.
March 20, 2018
Wow, wow, WOW! MacLachlan takes a loving look at Henri Matisse's early life, and the incidents that may have inspired his later creations.
I am head over heels in love with Hadley Hooper's stunning artwork!
I am head over heels in love with Hadley Hooper's stunning artwork!
May 15, 2017
A simple biography about French artist Henri Matisse.
January 27, 2015
What a gorgeous treat this book is! The text is a little unorthodox in that most of the book is one long run-on question-- but it works. And the illustrations, oh... gorgeous! Big, bold, expressive. Perfect for a book to introduce Matisse. I love little Henri's joyful engagement with paint and color, and the way he gazes at his older self as a full-fledged artist. I wanted to read this again as soon as I finished it the first time.
April 7, 2022
What an interesting, sweet, and beautifully illustrated introduction to Henri Matisse. Primarily focusing on his childhood - readers peek into Matisse's world of color and texture, loving created by his mother, in otherwise dreary and bleak 19th century northern France.
January 27, 2015
I cannot imagine an elementary art teacher anywhere in America who, upon seeing this book for the first time, would not declare with wide open eyes, I have got to have this book. It's wonderful!
The story is all about how looking at the world around you can inspire creativity and dreaming. Hadley Hooper's illustrations, done in relief printing, are absolutely beautiful, whether it is in the big blocks of color, or the intricate designs.
The author's and illustrator's notes at the back of the book give insight into the book's creation, and while kids are most likely to skip right over this page, adults--especially art teachers--will want to give special attention to it for the artists' explanations of why they made the decisions they did, and how they researched before and during the building of this book.
Although it was not enough to make me a fan of Matisse's art, which I've never really liked, this is a wonderful introduction for children to the French painter.
The story is all about how looking at the world around you can inspire creativity and dreaming. Hadley Hooper's illustrations, done in relief printing, are absolutely beautiful, whether it is in the big blocks of color, or the intricate designs.
The author's and illustrator's notes at the back of the book give insight into the book's creation, and while kids are most likely to skip right over this page, adults--especially art teachers--will want to give special attention to it for the artists' explanations of why they made the decisions they did, and how they researched before and during the building of this book.
Although it was not enough to make me a fan of Matisse's art, which I've never really liked, this is a wonderful introduction for children to the French painter.
December 28, 2014
What is most remarkable about this remarkable book is how beautifully MacLachlan's text and Hooper's illustrations blend to create the visually spectacular world of young Henri Matisse. It's a world filled with the colors of red rugs on the floors and hung on the walls, the colors of plates painted by his mother and filled with meadows and trees, rivers and birds (and his mother let young Henri mix the paints!). And Henri raised pigeons and marveled at the way their colors changed with the light—thus the iridescence of birds. Having just seen the exhibit of Matisse cutouts at MOMA in NYC, I was eager to read this book and become immersed in Matisse's world—and the book provides just that experience.
December 31, 2014
A mesmerizing book about a young Henri Matisse and what inspired him to become the fine painter the world remembers. Patricia MacLachlan beautifully describes how a small boy in France can want to fill his gray world with color and is inspired and encouraged by his artistic mother. The text is brief and accessible to young children, but MacLachlan graces it with phrases and words like "the iridescence of birds" that sound like a painting and stay on the mind long after you close the pages. Meticulously researched illustrations utilize the relief painting method and reflect Matisse's style with lines and colors that draw you into the pages. Together this is a masterpiece, much like Matisse's paintings, and a fitting tribute that will likely inspire another generation of creative souls.
October 13, 2017
I think this book has outstanding artwork, which I'm sure was a daunting task for an illustrator, considering the book was inspired by a famous painter. I love the light blues and reds, and the birds at the end especially.
I went into this book not knowing much about Henri Matisse, and came out of it still not knowing much about him, but still gained a lovely visual perspective of the things that can potentially inspire art.
The text is all one long sentence that begins with "If..." so while that did give a certain "flow" to it, a part of me also just kept waiting for the sentence to resolve.
I went into this book not knowing much about Henri Matisse, and came out of it still not knowing much about him, but still gained a lovely visual perspective of the things that can potentially inspire art.
The text is all one long sentence that begins with "If..." so while that did give a certain "flow" to it, a part of me also just kept waiting for the sentence to resolve.
September 26, 2014
The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse written by Patricia MacLachlan with pictures by Hadley Hooper is a breathtaking look at the artist's life. In words and illustrations with impeccable pacing, readers come to understand the value each aspect of our childhood plays in shaping us as adults. This is a tribute to the artistic brilliance of Henri Matisse who lived his art and then shared it with the world. An author's note, an illustrator's note and a selected bibliography are included.
My full recommendation: http://bit.ly/1vco8yh
My full recommendation: http://bit.ly/1vco8yh
September 16, 2015
While I really loved the illustrations (and the work the illustrator put into this - the note at the back amazed me. Such dedication!) the format of the text being one long sentence annoyed me enough to drop this one star. I DO love the story itself - on how Matisse pulled things from his childhood to put into his art. I think that this book gives an excellent introduction to Matisse and is something I think my budding artist daughter will love when I share it with her.
Children's picture book biographies are really awesome! I wish I'd discovered these years ago.
Children's picture book biographies are really awesome! I wish I'd discovered these years ago.
April 18, 2016
Only two sentences long, but with delightful illustrations. Would probably even work for a storytime; definitely for preschoolers, but maybe even for younger kids.
Update: tried it in family storytime. A hair long for my young crowd, but I loved the opportunity to talk about "iridescence." Didn't notice until I turned the page toward 40 under-fives that there is a page with naked people dancing. Nothing too explicit, but definitely some behinds.
Update: tried it in family storytime. A hair long for my young crowd, but I loved the opportunity to talk about "iridescence." Didn't notice until I turned the page toward 40 under-fives that there is a page with naked people dancing. Nothing too explicit, but definitely some behinds.
August 10, 2021
I’m a bit disappointed in this one. The illustrations are beautiful. The story to teach the kids about HM is basic and somewhat vague. I don’t see a big connection to the title other than a quick mention. I hoped the author would explain it more to my kids throughout the book. That didn’t happen.
June 19, 2018
This lovely picture book biography shares with young readers how the artfully nurtured childhood of Henri Matisse led to his becoming a famous artist. The author points out that he was raised in a northern French mill town that was cold and gray. His mother did her best to add color and creativity to their humble home and encouraged him to create art as well. The simple text and beautiful illustrations make this a great starting point for study and research into the life of Henri Matisse. Quick warning for parents and teachers: There is one double page spread with illustrations of nude bodies. Please be aware of this, consider the maturity of your readers, and share this book with guidance and sensitivity.
March 27, 2018
This is a beautiful book about how to find color even in dreary settings. The back matter does a nice job of putting into context how Matisse's early life shaped his art and the Fauvist movement.
I do think the nudity would be distracting to kids of the age this book is aimed at. Preschoolers are more likely to scream "ew" than understand the important of painting nudes in art.
The illustrations make this close to a four, although I don't think this book stands alone - I would really only want to discuss it in combination with some actual work by Matisse.
I do think the nudity would be distracting to kids of the age this book is aimed at. Preschoolers are more likely to scream "ew" than understand the important of painting nudes in art.
The illustrations make this close to a four, although I don't think this book stands alone - I would really only want to discuss it in combination with some actual work by Matisse.
November 26, 2019
Stunning visuals, which are appropriate for a work about Matisse. I really liked that the simple text did tell the basic biography story without being too long and complex for kids, which can be a problem in picture book biographies.
May 5, 2022
Beautifully illustrated. Would use for an art class as well!
January 12, 2015
This book tells about Henri Matisse's childhood in France and his inspiration for his later work. The narrative is very short and would be appropriate to read with younger children.
It depicts his mother's influence and encouragement in learning about mixing colors, noticing patterns and arranging fruit bowls - things that are simple, but certainly proved to be helpful later in his career. It doesn't really tell much about his artwork, but I like that we learn about his early years.
This would be a good book to read along with Matisse: The King of Color by Laurence Anholt, which explains more about his later years. Overall, it's a good story that shows children that inspiration can come from everyday life.
The illustrations are colorful and show the wide-eyed wonder of a young Henri. We really enjoyed reading this book together and we liked the notes from the author and illustrator which explain more about the research that went into making the book as well as the process of creating the artwork.
It depicts his mother's influence and encouragement in learning about mixing colors, noticing patterns and arranging fruit bowls - things that are simple, but certainly proved to be helpful later in his career. It doesn't really tell much about his artwork, but I like that we learn about his early years.
This would be a good book to read along with Matisse: The King of Color by Laurence Anholt, which explains more about his later years. Overall, it's a good story that shows children that inspiration can come from everyday life.
The illustrations are colorful and show the wide-eyed wonder of a young Henri. We really enjoyed reading this book together and we liked the notes from the author and illustrator which explain more about the research that went into making the book as well as the process of creating the artwork.
October 21, 2014
This picture book biography is an interesting contrast to The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art. Both are about artists and their early inspirations, both are very approachable for a child audience. Personally, I clicked more with Hooper's relief prints than I did with GrandPre's paintings - but then, I also prefer Matisse to Kandinsky, so I'm definitely coming from a place of personal preference over artistic merit. I loved the texture here, especially in the textiles, and the contrast between the restrained color of the early pages and the increased vibrancy as Henri begins to play with color. The shocking red-orange endpapers are also a great contrast to the mostly cool cover. There's a page at the end with notes from author and illustrator, along with some suggested reading. I think this could be enjoyed on its own, as a story, but also inspire readers to delve deeper into Matisse's art.
November 11, 2014
In engaging prose and through lovely illustrations created using relief printmaking and digital techniques, the author and illustrator provide insight into the influences on artist Henri Matisse. The importance of is mother is made quite clear as she added color to his life. The family lived in somewhat dreary conditions, but the woman painted plates to brighten up the walls and encouraged him to notice the iridescence of the birds that filled the streets and the air. This approach, while not the typical scholarly examination of an artist's formative years, works quite effectively, and in a sense, provides far more insight into this talented artist than other, more weighty tomes might. This is an excellent title for inclusion in a biography collection on artists.
December 9, 2015
Meh. The pictures are, of course, nice, but it doesn't answer the basic questions the little ones have about Art. Namely:
1. Who is this Matisse guy? The way the story is written, he could just have easily been any other protagonist who paints in any other picture book. There's nothing unique about him, which leads to question 2
2. Why do I care? If the answer is "because his works are in the art museum", there's no "why his art is in the art museum" follow up.
3. If the kid is just meant to enjoy the pretty pictures, then why even bother with a book about Matisse? Why not use any other illustrator and tell the same story?
4. But I'll give you that I almost never use the word iridescence except when reading this book.
1. Who is this Matisse guy? The way the story is written, he could just have easily been any other protagonist who paints in any other picture book. There's nothing unique about him, which leads to question 2
2. Why do I care? If the answer is "because his works are in the art museum", there's no "why his art is in the art museum" follow up.
3. If the kid is just meant to enjoy the pretty pictures, then why even bother with a book about Matisse? Why not use any other illustrator and tell the same story?
4. But I'll give you that I almost never use the word iridescence except when reading this book.
July 30, 2016
If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of color and art? Full of lines and dancing figures? Find out in this beautiful, unusual picture book about one of the world's most famous and influential artists by acclaimed author and Newbery Medal-winning Patricia MacLachlan and innovative illustrator Hadley Hooper.
Subject:
Matisse, Henri, 1869-1954-Juvenile literature.
Subject:
Painters -- France -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
Artists -- Juvenile literature
Painting, French -- Juvenile literature.
Subject:
Matisse, Henri, 1869-1954-Juvenile literature.
Subject:
Painters -- France -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
Artists -- Juvenile literature
Painting, French -- Juvenile literature.
February 2, 2015
Having one long sentence as the majority of the text is poetic but apparently not geared toward younger readers. I think they may get lost but still may enjoy the rhythm. Since the whole point seems to be that Matisse painted the iridescence of birds, I just don't see it in the illustrations. I looked at images of his some of his work, and they seem more colorful than the illustrations here.
The text does not refer to his illness, and the slight references to it in the author's note confused me more than informed me.
For both the art and the text, I felt I needed to go to other sources to more fully understand.
The text does not refer to his illness, and the slight references to it in the author's note confused me more than informed me.
For both the art and the text, I felt I needed to go to other sources to more fully understand.
August 15, 2015
I loved this picture book asking what Henri Matisse's inspiration for his art may have been based on where he grew up. The illustrations are beautiful and have a playful essence to them, and the way the text is written in an "If you were..." repetitive way that toward the end leads to, "Would it surprise you that..." which creates a rhythm and sense of going along with Henri's childhood to the story that was lovely to read.
December 16, 2014
A picture book introduction to Matisse for young readers, focusing on the sights, colors and patterns Matisse would have seen as a child. His mother painted plates and decorated with bright colors; silks were woven in his hometown; and his father gave him pigeons as a child (he kept birds throughout his life -- an afterword by the author notes that he left his birds to Picasso). Illustrations at the end depict some of Matisse's better know masterpieces.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews