Rockwell: A Boy and His Dog

by Loren Spiotta-DiMare

Young Scotty Ingram, who is posing for Norman Rockwell's Four Seasons paintings, keeps his eyes open when the artist has difficulties in finding just the right dog for a model, in this fictionalized account of an actual relationship.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Historical Fiction, Childrens

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2005

Reviews

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this book tells us, Norman Rockwell did not really think of himself as an artist - he considered himself an illustrator. But because of his prolific production of Saturday Evening Post covers and calendar paintings, he was, too many people, America's most famous artist. This is a fiction story of one of the Seasons series which Rockwell created for a calendar. It involves a young boy, Scotty, who models for the paintings. Rockwell wanted a dog in each picture. Scotty had a dog - a basset hound - but Rockwell wanted a beagle or a spaniel. One day, Scotty finds a young beagle hiding under his porch. He excitedly takes her to the studio and she is indeed the perfect model. Since no one claims her, Rockwell adopts her and she is named Lucky Lady. For the final picture, Lady and Rockwell have a big surprise for Scotty!
I think this would be a good introduction to Rockwell as an artist for children interested in art. I liked the encouragement that Rockwell offered to Scotty about school and the fact that he was willing to be known as his friend. There might be some encouraging words there for kids that love to draw and might have experienced a bit of bullying.
We are visiting the Rockwell museum in Stockbridge soon so I am looking forward to learning more about him.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie rates 2 stars, mom 3 stars..krb 8/14/17

[Julie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about Norman Rockwell and his illustrations!! You learn about his model, a young boy, and how they together create the iconic paintings that are so Rockwell.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of annoying writing but cute if it is a true story. I love Norman Rockwell.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hello, Scotty. How’s my favorite model?” asks the artist in his deep and gravelly voice. So begins another day for Scotty Ingram. The artist, none other than Norman Rockwell, has chosen Scotty to pose for a series of calendar paintings, entitled “A Boy and His Dog.” Though Scotty is the perfect model, Rockwell struggles to find just the right kind of dog to accompany the boy until a timid little stray enters their lives and into illustration immortality.

This fictionalized tale is a delightful homage to Norman Rockwell and his world. Realistically rendered, Cliff Miller’s illustrations have a soft, nostalgic quality about them. Several reproduced prints of Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post covers also make appearances throughout the book. The story itself successfully draws the reader into the special and whimsical relationship shared between artist and model, as exemplified by a double-page spread where Rockwell is seen gleefully riding his bike with Scotty and his friends.

Although this title will delight Rockwell aficionados and serve as an aid to art history curriculum, younger children will likely not grasp the significance of the artist or appreciate Miller’s sentimental style. The text itself, more suited for mid to late grade school age, is wordy, overly descriptive and will not hold the interest of little ones for very long.

[Dani Kappel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young boy models for, and befriends the artist Norman Rockwell and eventually finds a beagle to model for the artist to keep. It would be good for vocabulary, I thought the narrative skill poor in the book. It'd be good for ages 3-6.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little tale about one of Rockwell's subjects. The illustrations are peppered with actual Rockwell paintings.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story about Norman Rockwell and one of his models. Several of the artist's artworks are scattered throughout. Nicely done for younger students.