Dear Vincent

by Michael Bird, Ella Beech (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Art, Nonfiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of Vincent Van Gogh, beautifully illustrated by Ella Beech. It begins with Vincent wishing that his paintings were better, and dreaming of a time when he will paint ‘the picture of my dreams. It also shares the bond he has with his brother, Theo, who is very kind to him.

Vincent had trouble believing in himself and his talent as an artist. This only gets worse as the seasons change, and when winter arrives wet and cold, he decides to leave and go someplace where there is sunshine, good food, and a chance to meet new people. Soon after, his brother sends him a ticket, and Vincent packs his bags, making sure to include everything he will need to paint, and since he only has so much room, he removes the toothbrush and toothpaste that wouldn’t fit.

Soon after, Vincent boards his train, and says goodbye to this gray city.

When he arrives, it is snowing, there is no sunshine and Vincent is sad and the people are rude.

’Look at that scruffy artist’ one woman says.

But then one day it is beautiful out, the sun has appeared, and the snow is gone. Vincent takes his easel, his paints and brushes and paints the flowering trees, the grass and the blue sky. Vincent decides he will give this painting to his brother Theo. In return, the postman arrives with more paints from Theo. Vincent wants to paint right away, and asks the postman if he can paint a portrait of him. Not long after, the postman brings his family for Vincent to paint. Vincent is not only painting, he is making new friends. He tells himself that soon he will paint the picture of his dreams.

One day, he goes to visit the flowers he planted, and sees that one of his sunflowers has grown taller than he is. Soon after, he is gathering more to fill a vase with. He knows this is it, the picture he has envisioned, which gives him more incentive, more belief in his talent.

Meanwhile, he has sent some paintings to his brother, and his brother has set them up in his house, and has invited others over to see them. A couple with a young daughter named Maria aren’t impressed, but their daughter is mesmerized by the beautiful paintings, and the colours. She is reluctant to leave, but the parents are adamant.

As they are leaving, she turns for one last look, she thanks Vincent, then whispers a goodbye.


Pub Date: 1 Oct 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Thames & Hudson

[Eline Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations in this book and how the story gradually unfolded all kind of van Gogh’s paintings.

[Adele Lostinaclassicworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo albo narra, attraverso testi e illustrazioni, un piccolo ma significativo frammento della vita di Vincent Van Gogh.

Vincent è un pittore che sta sempre a disegnare e sogna di dipingere il quadro dei suoi sogni.
In queste pagine vediamo Vincent Van Gogh che si sposta da una città fredda dove non riesce più a trovare ispirazione a una città più calda.
Anche qui continua costantemente a dipingere ma lo fa con più energia ed entusiasmo, stabilisce nuove amicizie e ammira la bellezza della natura.
E proprio in questo nuovo ambiente dipinge uno dei suoi quadri più celebri.

Un punto fondamentale di questo albo è il legame tra Vincent e suo fratello Theo. Loro si scambiano lettere, ed è Theo a incoraggiarlo a dedicarsi maggiormente alla pittura o ad inviargli nuovi colori. Il loro è un legame molto forte.

L'arte di Vincent incontra l'arte di Ella Beech ed è un viaggio meraviglioso, in alcuni momenti sembra di essere immersi nella natura, di passeggiare tra campi fioriti insieme a Vincent, o di stare seduti nella sua stanza mentre dipinge.

L'albo "Caro Vincent" rappresenta un ottimo punto di partenza per avvicinarsi a questo straordinario artista ed è anche un ottimo regalo per i più piccoli, perché il testo che accompagna le illustrazioni è molto semplice e anche simpatico.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography is written in language geared toward a younger audience (preschool- 2nd grade). It tells the story of letters written between Vincent and his brother Theo and the time he spent painting in southern France. It is a great introduction to this artist and his work, as well as elements that affected his personal life.

[Erin Buhr]

DEAR VINCENT was inspired by letters between Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. They follow Van Gogh as he moves to sunny southern France which inspires some of his best known artwork. Snippets of their letters are woven into this picture book and paired with vibrant illustrations.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle introduction to an artist's life.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed. Sunny, bright, sweet, colorful, hopeful!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and gentle story about Vincent Van Gogh, and how he was inspired by the brilliant colors of nature to paint.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so cute! I read it at the top of the van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely brightly illustrated picture book biography of the time Vincent Van Gogh spent in the south of France. It is based on letters written at the time between Vincent and his brother Theo. We view illustrations of the beauty of the countryside, the town, and an inn Vincent frequented and of course lots os sunflowers. The last few pages depict illustrations of many of Vincent’s paintings sent to his brother Theo. A young child is admiring them. . . Great way to introduce art to young children.