Vincent van Gogh

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Alette Straathof (Illustrator), Julia Tokarczyk (Translator)

Mały Vincent kochał przyrodę i beztroskie zabawy z bratem. Wcześnie zakończył edukację i poszukiwał życiowego celu, próbując sił jako sprzedawca dzieł sztuki, nauczyciel, pracownik księgarni, a nawet kaznodzieja. W wieku dwudziestu siedmiu lat odkrył swoje powołanie i za namową brata poświęcił się malarstwu. Z determinacją i niezłomną pasją rozwijał unikalny styl, wyrażał swoje emocje w niezwykłych dziełach. Mimo trudności, braku uznania dla jego prac i trapiącej go choroby psychicznej wytrwale oddawał się tworzeniu. Dziś jego obrazy znajdują się w zbiorach najbardziej znanych muzeów i galerii na świecie. Poznaj barwny świat Vincenta van Gogha, genialnego i fascynującego artysty, który swoją twórczością poruszył serca milionów ludzi i dowiódł, że warto realizować pasje mimo wszelkich przeciwności.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 16, 2024

About the author

You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Jaidee]

3 "beautiful illustrations, lackluste prose" stars !!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and illustrator and Quarto Publishing Group. This will be released Sept. 03, 2024.

This is the third book of this 100 plus series that I have sampled: Michelle Obama (3.5 stars) and Kylie Minogue (2 stars).

The cover to this one was so cute that I could not resist.
This book has beautiful illustrations (4 stars) with once again very lackluster prose (2 stars).
I will be honest though I am astonished at this series' success.

[Shereadbookblog]

From the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this is a biography of Vincent Van Gogh for children. Beautifully illustrated in the style of Van Gogh, it gives an overview of his life and is comprehensive enough that adults may learn a bit about the artist.

The book approaches the issue of the emotional difficulties Van Gogh experienced in a sensitive manner and ends on a positive note. I liked the emphasis on brotherly love and support and that even when we are troubled, we can find joy.

The back pages have more information and would be suitable for parents discussing with younger children or older children reading and learning on their own. A resource is provided where one can read more information about the artist and, of course, mentions the wonderful Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @QuartoKids for the DRC.

[Anastasia Terendii (livie's version)]

напевно, я вже читала занадто багато різних версій біографій Вінсента, тому мене складно чимось вразити. це знову ж таки непогана версія для дітей, де небагато тексту, але зібрано основну інформацію, зате безліч милих ілюстрацій. лице Вінсента, як на мене, не дуже схоже на справжнього, але нехай. думаю, дітям для знайомства з художником (точніше, його життям) мало б підійти.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanine ♡]

A beautifully illustrated book on the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The text was easy to follow and the timeline at the end was helpful as well. I wish there was a little more detail, but for a children’s book the basics are all covered.


Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

[Mia]

Digital ARC provided via Netgalley

Little People, Big dreams is a series that aims to introduce young readers to prominent figures, both living and dead. The subject of this book is Vincent van Gogh, and, naturally it's wonderfully illustrated in vibrant colours reminiscent of the painter's most popular artworks. The writing style is clear and concise, if a bit simplistic.

[Literary Redhead]

A marvelous addition to one of my fav "little bio" series for kids. The illustrations are exquisite, and young readers will learn about the challenging life of the artist in a way that gives them compassion for him and awe for his art. Also includes a helpful timeline and photos,

[Sharah Powell]

Vincent van Gogh is the latest addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. I have read so many of these children's books now and really enjoyed this one about the famous artist, Vincent. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC.

[Els]

Little People, Big Dreams. Vincent van Gogh. Tekst: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Illustraties: Alette Straathof.

Elk boekje in de Little People, Big Dreams reeks is een pareltje, keer op keer weer. Ik verzamel ze allemaal. De tekeningen zijn telkens van iemand anders en deze keer moest ik er even aan wennen. Hoewel ik nu besef dat ze net heel goed bij het verhaal van van Gogh passen.

Iedereen heeft wel eens van Vincent van Gogh gehoord, ofcourse. Maar wist jij dat hij op kostschool heeft gezeten? En dat hij daar heel ongelukkig was? Ik niet.

Door iemand te portretteren van onbekend kindje tot grote belangrijke persoon die blijvend een inspiratiebron vormt geef je kleine én grote kinderen nog meer zin om hun eigen dromen te realiseren. Zo fijn. En belangrijk. Dit is een boek dat in geen enkele school of bibliotheek mag ontbreken.

[Katie]

⭐ Free from Netgalley ⭐

Very nice book, nice drawings, simple and effective. Teaches about Vincent's life and painting journey.

[Dawn Michelle]

When I was in 3rd grade, my teacher played "Vincent" by Don McLean and then showed us photo's of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and my life [and my love affair with art and with his and other amazing artists work that I would learn about later that year in that same class] was forever changed. I tend to want to read all the books about Vincent that I can get my hands on, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to request it.

This is a lovely little book that introduces the reader to Vincent and he beloved brother Theo [who did so much to try and help his older brother] and their time in France, where Vincent started his painting career. It has very moving text and will help littles begin to understand just who the painter was.

Filled with gorgeous, fantastic illustrations [many "set" within renditions of Vincent's paintings, which is really cool] that make you feel as if you are in the countryside of France with them, this is the perfect way to introduce littles to both the art world and one one of the greatest artists that ever lived.

Very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Alette Straathof - Ilustrator, and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brit]

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara's great and inspiring series of children's books is making waves around the world. I had seen them many times but never read one. That changed when the Vincent van Gogh book caught my eye – I knew it was time to start the series! 😊

This delightful 32-page book brings readers the life of one of the world's most famous painters. It starts with his childhood and school days, touches on the hardships he faced, and concludes with his tragic end. Naturally, the book doesn’t delve into every detail or linger on van Gogh's lowest points, as it is intended for young, curious readers to inspire and motivate them. Even though I'm not so tiny anymore, I found myself inspired.

In addition to its well-written and concise content, the book features beautiful watercolor illustrations that are uniquely suited to the story. You can’t imagine this book with any other style. The pictures are extremely colorful and cheerful, often capturing more attention than the accompanying text. They are excellently painted and perfectly chosen! I highly recommend this book for little ones who love reading or art! 😊

Thank you so much, NetGallery and Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for this wonderful reading experience and for the ARC copy!

Review in Estonian (Aug 26, 2024): https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024...

[Ankit Saxena]

"Little People, Big Dreams" is an amazing series created by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. I have read any books from the series and found most of them so good that, I always wanted to read more about the titled characters. Most of the personalities she chose for her series (except few, obviously) are meant to know about.
Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world's best ever painters who was famous for the great vitality of his works that were characterized by expressive & emotive use of vibrant colors with his brilliance and energetic application of impastos. His brushstrokes were quick and thick. He painted more than 2100 arts in his lifetime out of which more than 800 counts were just of oil paintings.
Vincent, in his young age had tried many professions but stick to none for long. Once, when he wrote to his elder brother Theo a letter which also contained some drawings based on which his brother asked him to pursue his career in painting. And that discussion not even changed his life but the history of western art.
This is a very fine collection of facts on Van Gogh to let children know about him briefly and take inspiration to build their career in art.

My NetGalley review

[Katie]

An illustrated children's picture book on the life and work of the artist Vincent van Gogh. This book is especially beautifully illustrated. I appreciate how the illustrations differ from the style I usually see in this series to evoke the brushstrokes and rich color palette which are signature elements of van Gogh's signature style.

The story is well-formatted for young audiences (ie, not too wordy), although the result of smoothing out van Gogh's rough edges to make an age-appropriate story is a little funny. Even so, a lovely little book to introduce young readers to the beloved artist who wasn't fully appreciated in his lifetime.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanne]

3.5 And yet another installment of the LIttle People, Big Dreams series which highlights childhood hopes and aspirations of a future famous person, this time with the somewhat gloomy story of Vincent Van Gogh.

Interesting choice to do the illustrations in water color instead of thicker oils or gouache, but they are somewhat impressionistic but not great.

There’s also not much about childhood beyond his lifelong bond and support of his younger brother Theo and that he loathed boarding school. Typically, childhood aspirations figure more prominently in this series.

Maybe my expectations were too high for this one, because of its subject’s greatest artist ever status. Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC.

[Aimee]

* Thank you, Netgalley and Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara for this ARC copy *

I am a huge Van Gogh fan. I have loved his art since I was in high school. I have young children now and wanted to see how this book represented Van Gogh’s mental illness and it did a good job of that. There could have been a little more about the artist’s life, but considering it is a children’s book, it was a good length. The illustrations were great and in the Van Gogh style and colors. Well done children’s book.

[Michelle G.]

ARC review; thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the access to this ebook.

An age-appropriate introduction to Vincent van Gogh, perfect for its intended audience, and the illustrations are STUNNING. I loved them so much, I would like a physical copy of this little book for that alone.

[Maggie]

Another winner! I absolutely love the "Little People, Big dreams" series. They are all so well written with cute illustrations.
This is a perfect book for young kids who want to learn about Vincent Van Gogh

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Patricia Q]

The illustrations by Alette Straathof looked like van Gogh had painted them.

[Anna]

Ironically, with van Gogh being one of the most ubiquitously known artists on a global scale, of all the "Little People" books this is one of the least aesthetically appealing ones from the series... and I'm sorry it is!

***I received a digital copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***

[Richard Derus]

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Learn about the life of Vincent van Gogh, one of the world's most influential and best-loved artists.

Little Vincent was a quiet child. He loved spending time in nature and playing with his brother Theo. After leaving school, he began working as an art dealer. Vincent showed promise, but he found it more and more difficult to control his emotions and eventually had to leave. He had a go at many different jobs, including a teacher and a bookseller, but nothing felt right.

When he wasn’t working, he wrote Theo long letters that included beautiful drawings. Theo loved his work and suggested that he try being an artist. Vincent dedicated himself to painting and never looked back! He developed his own style and expressed his emotions through his art: from sorrow to joy, and everything in between.

During his life, Vincent had little success, but today, his paintings are admired and celebrated in galleries across the world.

This powerful book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the artist's life.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: You don't need to be told who van Gogh is. (I hope.) A kid who's got the world to learn does, and here's a way for you to help that happen. A series like this has so many good layers: facts about the world, facts about life as others lead it, examples of what we as a culture value.

The value here is obvious, I trust:


Gorgeous as artworks, pitch perfect as illustrations of van Gogh's life...which is ably recounted by Sánchez Vegara's simple but effective text...this small person's excellent introduction to the life of one of the present day's most venerated artists adds luster to a terrific series.

Worth reading yourself. An absolute must for your grand/nibling's education in art, biography, and the value of being Different in a conformist world.

[Karen]

VINCENT VAN GOGH (LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS)
MARIA ISABEL SANCHEZ VEGARA

These Little People, BIG DREAMS series range in types making them versatile and enjoyable for younger readers to learn about a vast amount of people celebrated for their innovation of contributing to society in history. I particularly enjoy them even though I'm an adult, because of how excellent the illustrations are juxtaposed against key points of the particular person whose life they are exploring. There are board books offered with simple sentences suitable for babies and toddlers. For children that are older these compact biographies are expanded including additional text that's suitable to digest with more key points about the person whose life is being explored. I wish that I had room to collect all of the physical copies for future grandchildren. There are so many that are in print and they all offer endless possibilities and choices to pick out and read with children.

Vincent was a quiet child and loved playing in nature with his brother Theo.

After he left school his brother Theo encouraged him to try to create the art on the canvas that he was known to produce for his brother. He worked in the art world before he started painting his emotions that are famous and coveted all over the world in galleries.

Once he started painting it was a perfect outlet for him and he never looked back.

Vincent van Gogh's life is explored in this one and although his paintings are widely known and celebrated by art lovers, he didn't gain the same recognition during his life. That fact is sad because his art is so cheerful, using vivid colors that make his paintings iconic. He actually tried working at many different jobs during his lifetime.

He had a close relationship with his brother Theo during their lifetime and whenever Vincent wrote to his brother he would include artwork on the back of his letters. This is beautiful and perfect for all ages even adults. These books in these series make great gifts from babies to adults. They offer a way to celebrate the many gifted people who contributed over time.

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Quaro Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children's Books for generously providing me with my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#VincentvanGogh #MariaIsabelSanchezVegara #QuartoPublishingGroupFrancesLincolnChildrensBooks #NetGalley

[Ellen]

Maria Isabel Sanches Vegara's "Little People, Big Dreams" series contains more than 40 books about famous people, both contemporary and historic. Her approach is to tell the stories beginning in each person's childhood, to emphasize to young readers that the lives of famous people didn't begin when they were adults. I'm glad she doesn't portray each of her subjects as having childhood dreams that they realized in adulthood; Vincent Van Gogh is a good example of someone who had dreams and goals that didn't work out for him, and it wasn't until his brother Theo suggested that he learn to paint that he found his life's calling - which is just as important a lesson for children as having dreams and realizing them.

Vergara does not shy away from the unpleasant aspects of the lives she chronicles. For Vincent Van Gogh, that unpleasantness included stays in mental hospitals and his infamous rage where he severed his own ear. She does attempt, however, to frame those aspects in ways that will be appropriate for the children ages 5-9 who will be reading or listening to the books. I'm not a child psychologist, so I'm not sure what the accepted way is to deal with mental illness and violence, but I think what she has written in this book ("his mind was not well") is as good a way to say it as any (in a previous review I criticized her for glossing over some of the more challenging events). I only have a quibble about one fact: she states that Van Gogh sold very few paintings during his lifetime; in reality, he sold only one, and was supported by his brother his whole life.

I'm a retired educator and so I am always interested in exposing children to stories about art, music, and culture (even the pop kind!). I'm pleased to know that this series has been a multi-million copy bestseller, and I encourage parents to use them. I also encourage parents to do a bit of research on each book's subject matter so that they can expand on some of the issues and answer questions.

Thanks to Quarto and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Vanessa]

Vincent van Gogh by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara are the most wonderful books written by Little People, BIG DREAMS, and these are one of the best books you can purchase for a growing child. I have enjoyed reading these to my nephew and talking about the famous people, from designers and artists, kings and queens, to scientists and activists and then talking about the brightly illustrated pages with him.

This book is about the life of Vincent van Gogh. Little Vincent was a quiet child. He loved spending time in nature and playing with his brother Theo. After leaving school, he began working as an art dealer. Vincent showed promise, but he found it more and more difficult to control his emotions and eventually had to leave. He had a go at many different jobs, including a teacher and a bookseller, but nothing felt right. When he wasn’t working, he wrote Theo long letters that included beautiful drawings. Theo loved his work and suggested that he try being an artist. Vincent dedicated himself to painting and never looked back! He developed his own style and expressed his emotions through his from sorrow to joy, and everything in between. During his life, Vincent had little success, but today, his paintings are admired and celebrated in galleries across the world. ​This powerful book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Vincent Van Gogh's life.

I, I should say we loved this book. All of these books have been a 5 star read. this book was no different

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe )]

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara's Vincent van Gogh is a children's book that offers a charming introduction to the life and art of the renowned painter. Part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this book is designed to inspire young readers by presenting the story of Van Gogh in an accessible and engaging manner.

The narrative begins with Van Gogh's childhood, highlighting his quiet nature and love for the outdoors, particularly his bond with his brother Theo. It details his early struggles in various jobs, including as an art dealer, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in painting. The book emphasizes his emotional journey and the development of his unique artistic style, capturing the spectrum of his feelings through his artwork, from sorrow to joy.

Illustrated by Alette Straathof, the book features vibrant and stylish illustrations that complement the text well, making it visually appealing for children. Reviewers have noted the colorful artwork and the engaging prose, which effectively conveys Van Gogh's story in a way that is both educational and entertaining for young readers.

The book is structured to be age-appropriate, making it suitable for children who are beginning to explore the world of art and history. It includes additional facts and a biographical timeline at the back, providing context and enhancing the educational aspect of the reading experience.

Overall, Sánchez Vegara's Vincent van Gogh is praised for its ability to introduce children to significant cultural figures while fostering an appreciation for art and creativity.

[Carla]

I knew that Vincent van Gogh was a famous artist who had cut off his own ear. I knew about some of his famous paintings such as Starry Night, several self portraits and Vase with Sunflowers, but besides that I didn't know much else. This book introduces the reader to Vincent when he was young. His parents sent him to boarding school which he hated. He missed his brother Theo, who he had a wonderful relationship with. He was finally allowed to leave school and tried many jobs, but nothing made him happy. It was Theo who convinced him to try to make a living out of his art. He had dabbled in drawing, but never thought to make that his life's work. Vincent was a very emotional man and that came out in his artwork. He also had many times where he was hospitalized for mental health issues. Unfortunately, he was not recognized as the talented painter he was until after his death. He developed his own style during this time and it is highly recognized. Throughout his life, it was Theo who supported and encouraged him. The illustrations are very well done with a bit of a van Gogh feel to them and they added much to the book. For children who have no idea what they want to do with their life, this book might just inspire them to try new things and think about what they enjoy doing and see if they could make a living at it. Another great addition to this series.

[AVS]

Vincent van Gogh by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is an illustrative book about the life story of the artist whose work became famous posthumously. Despite targeting young readers, the author doesn’t mince words or sugarcoat his story. Whatever parts of his life are included, the author confidently summarises it all. While this can be debated, the simplicity and selection of illustrations prevent the reader from dwelling on it. If you know about the artist and remember the agony felt upon learning his story, this little book does a wonderful job of soothing that pain, not just through words but through illustrations.

Alette Strathof's illustrations are visually compelling and thought-provoking for those familiar with the artist. Without further indulgence, it's wonderful to see illustrations like the meadow of sunflowers and the starry nights from the artist’s window as early inspirations. Details about his journey after leaving Paris and the letters he wrote to Theo would be an interesting addition to this book. Art succeeds only when it inspires another art form, and this book vouches for that quote. Overall, it’s a good read! Looking forward to reading more from the 'Little People, BIG DREAMS' series.

[Theediscerning]

Now this is how it should be done – not just this series, but any attempt at young biographies. Of course we don't get the end, but we have the nitty-gritty of the ear episode, the black spells, the early gloomy artwork, coloured "like dusty potatoes"… In a series that so often has dreadful visuals, these are amongst the best it's ever had – nicely attuning themselves to van Gogh's output, and scattering clues to his art throughout – the wispy trees from "Starry Night" are actually on the second spread here, as if van Gogh was forever learning and taking inspiration. We see Vincent in the yellow room, of "Bedroom in Arles" fame, but while it's definitely based on his work it's not some misguided, slavish tribute.

The visual references might mean little if the words didn't work, but they do, and this is now the standout junior biography of the Dutchman. He failed at several careers before painting, and still never sold more than a handful of them, but as we see here even when we're down in the dumps, doing something we love – especially if others love us doing it – is always a key to success.

[Sarah]

I love the Little People, Big Dreams series of books. In this one - the focus on Vincent van Gogh tells a story that is both insightful and inspiring. Even with the text and story being geared for a younger generation, I learned a couple things about van Gogh's history that I hadn't known before. It felt like the key defining moments of his life were succinctly portrayed and laid out in a timeline that makes sense and gets the core points of the story across.

The end of the book really resonated - "he proved that - even when we feel a bit lost - we can find joy by doing the things we love most" and the way that sentiment is echoed in the timeline at the end - "...when we find something we love, we should follow it with all our heart." These are key principles for kids to learn - and seeing that demonstrated in the story of a famous artists life will resonate. Also, the way that mental health was addressed makes a lot of sense and lays the groundwork for awareness.

The illustrations are stunning and support the text/story on each page. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review.

[Kate Henderson]

I say it every time, but I just adore the Little people, Big dreams series! This book is another corker!!
I knew of Van Gogh's artwork, but I didn't no a single thing about his life story (except of course the ear fiasco!!) and I found this book so interesting. I know sometimes with these books, they 'water -down' some of the more darker moments in a persons life due to the target audience being children - so I'm sure there's a lot more detail to his life story. Nevertheless this book was fascinating.

I loved the artwork, and it was different to the other books in the series that I have read. The illustrates here were like water colour paintings - very fitting for this particular book.

I adore sunflowers, and have a very sentimental attachment to them - to the point where when I saw them in the opening pages of this book it got me all 'emosh'! I just loved the image!

Great book! Definitely one of my favs in the series, and has opened up an intrigue in me to look into Van Gogh's life more.

[Natalie]

Young Vincent was something of a loner who sometimes had difficulty with his emotions. He tried a variety of jobs until he discovered that painting suited him. He worked to develop his own style and now his paintings are known the world over.

There are several things that I like about this book. The illustrations are fun. The story itself stays away from the darker times in van Gogh’s life (which is appropriate for this story). Author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara instead focuses on the search to find meaningful work despite having challenges with emotional regulation. Overall, the story is uplifting and offers hope to children who might feel othered because of their interests or emotional regulation challenges.

This book is great for kids who are interested in art or history. This is one in the series Little People, Big Dreams.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing–Frances Lincoln Children’s Books , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.