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Marguerite Makes a Book
In medieval Paris, Marguerite helps her nearly blind father finish painting an illuminated manuscript for his patron, Lady Isabelle. 46 color illustrations.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 22, 2019
Now in many ways Bruce Robertson's Marguerite Makes a Book does a truly wonderful job with both meticulous detail and engagement showing and demonstrating how a hand-painted (illuminated) Mediaeval book is (or more to the point how such a tome generally was) created, was made (and indeed also why these types of manuscripts were generally majorly expensive, and thus only affordable to and for the nobility or rarely, very rich merchants, as Marguerite Makes a Book not only points out the long periods of time that had to be spent painting the often intricate scenes, the flowers, convoluted letters etc., but also the expense and the planning needed to purchase, to procure the raw materials required to mix, to make the individual paint shades and hues, that even the initial set-up in order to even be able to commence painting, illustrating a given book took both time and often quite a bit of money).
However, while I have indeed very much enjoyed Marguerite Makes a Book (and have probably even learned a bit myself even though I thought I knew all there is to know with regard to the art of Mediaeval book illumination), personally I most definitely would have rather if not even much preferred an entirely factual account instead of reading a sweetly engaging but clearly totally fictional and imagined account and storyline. For although as a work of fiction, I do appreciate Marguerite's strength of character and that she simply decides to take matters into her own hands and finish painting the illuminations, the book illustrations for her ageing and a bit ailing father, considering that Marguerite Makes a Book does take place in the Middle Ages (in the 1400s), frankly, I do have to at least wonder whether in reality, Marguerite on her own deciding to complete her father's book illustrations might not be potentially somewhat anachronistic in nature (and I also even have to question how Marguerite is simply able and allowed to go out into the streets of Mediaeval Paris on her own, as I do think that from a historical reality point of view, a young teenaged girl like Marguerite would more than likely have for one required an adult chaperone and for two probably would have been wearing a head covering whilst out and about in public).
And yes, Marguerite's lack of a head covering (which at least according to my own research was very often and actually generally a requirement for many if not most Mediaeval women and older girls) leads me to the second point of mild criticism with regard to Marguerite Makes a Book, namely that Kathryn Hewitt's accompanying illustrations, although they are indeed descriptive, colourfully, gorgeously detailed, do at least to and for me (especially with regard to the outfits, the clothing depicted) remind me more of the early Renaissance than the Middle Ages, not a huge issue of course and to be sure, but it still does frustrate and annoy me a trifle, as I certainly would much rather period-specific clothing being shown. Three stars for Marguerite Makes a Book, and even with my own issues still highly recommended (although the potential for historical anachronisms does indeed somewhat bother me and indeed, I would most likely have given Marguerite Makes a Book a four or even a five star ranking if for one the storyline had felt a bit more realistically Mediaeval and for two if Bruce Robertson had aside from the handy glossary at the back, also included suggestions for further study and reading).
However, while I have indeed very much enjoyed Marguerite Makes a Book (and have probably even learned a bit myself even though I thought I knew all there is to know with regard to the art of Mediaeval book illumination), personally I most definitely would have rather if not even much preferred an entirely factual account instead of reading a sweetly engaging but clearly totally fictional and imagined account and storyline. For although as a work of fiction, I do appreciate Marguerite's strength of character and that she simply decides to take matters into her own hands and finish painting the illuminations, the book illustrations for her ageing and a bit ailing father, considering that Marguerite Makes a Book does take place in the Middle Ages (in the 1400s), frankly, I do have to at least wonder whether in reality, Marguerite on her own deciding to complete her father's book illustrations might not be potentially somewhat anachronistic in nature (and I also even have to question how Marguerite is simply able and allowed to go out into the streets of Mediaeval Paris on her own, as I do think that from a historical reality point of view, a young teenaged girl like Marguerite would more than likely have for one required an adult chaperone and for two probably would have been wearing a head covering whilst out and about in public).
And yes, Marguerite's lack of a head covering (which at least according to my own research was very often and actually generally a requirement for many if not most Mediaeval women and older girls) leads me to the second point of mild criticism with regard to Marguerite Makes a Book, namely that Kathryn Hewitt's accompanying illustrations, although they are indeed descriptive, colourfully, gorgeously detailed, do at least to and for me (especially with regard to the outfits, the clothing depicted) remind me more of the early Renaissance than the Middle Ages, not a huge issue of course and to be sure, but it still does frustrate and annoy me a trifle, as I certainly would much rather period-specific clothing being shown. Three stars for Marguerite Makes a Book, and even with my own issues still highly recommended (although the potential for historical anachronisms does indeed somewhat bother me and indeed, I would most likely have given Marguerite Makes a Book a four or even a five star ranking if for one the storyline had felt a bit more realistically Mediaeval and for two if Bruce Robertson had aside from the handy glossary at the back, also included suggestions for further study and reading).
December 5, 2012
This is a great book to learn about the art of hand painted illuminated manuscripts/books. I’d also recommend it for those looking for stories about strong girls, for children who like making art of all kinds, for those who love books and medieval history.
This is a magnificent book, gorgeously illustrated, and with an engaging story, with non-fiction history components.
The illustrations are superb; they mimic the book that Marguerite (the name for a daisy flower in 15th century France) is making/helping finish for her father. They’re lush and beautiful, with intricate detail, and it’s so much fun to look between them and the illustrated book on the page. There is even a wonderful fold out page, which is as instructive as it is lovely to view.
The story is touching, and has elements of real suspense. It’s also informative about how books had to be handmade in the 1400s, and what materials were used and how they were used.
There is a helpful glossary in the back of the book. There is also a short, interesting note to the reader in the back. The inside covers have an illustrated map of the fictional/real setting of early 1400s Paris.
All book lovers, especially those who also like art and history, are likely to greatly appreciate this book. The historical fiction story within it is a good one and manages to convey a lot about the making of 1400s illuminated manuscripts. It’s also a terrific strong girl story, although I cringed a bit when the heroine took matters into her own hands without anyone else’s permission or knowledge.
The animal products used kind of grossed me out but it was what it was.
4 ½ stars
This is a magnificent book, gorgeously illustrated, and with an engaging story, with non-fiction history components.
The illustrations are superb; they mimic the book that Marguerite (the name for a daisy flower in 15th century France) is making/helping finish for her father. They’re lush and beautiful, with intricate detail, and it’s so much fun to look between them and the illustrated book on the page. There is even a wonderful fold out page, which is as instructive as it is lovely to view.
The story is touching, and has elements of real suspense. It’s also informative about how books had to be handmade in the 1400s, and what materials were used and how they were used.
There is a helpful glossary in the back of the book. There is also a short, interesting note to the reader in the back. The inside covers have an illustrated map of the fictional/real setting of early 1400s Paris.
All book lovers, especially those who also like art and history, are likely to greatly appreciate this book. The historical fiction story within it is a good one and manages to convey a lot about the making of 1400s illuminated manuscripts. It’s also a terrific strong girl story, although I cringed a bit when the heroine took matters into her own hands without anyone else’s permission or knowledge.
The animal products used kind of grossed me out but it was what it was.
4 ½ stars
February 23, 2020
Set in Paris in the 1400s, this engaging work of historical fiction for the picture-book set follows the story of Marguerite, daughter of Papa Jacques, one of the most renowned book-makers in the city. Growing older, with failing eyesight, Marguerite's father struggles to finish his latest commission - a beautifully illuminated Book of Hours intended for his patroness, the Lady Isabelle. When an accident puts him out of commission for a time, Marguerite steps in to finish the last few pages of the book, doing such an excellent job that her father introduces her as his most talented assistant.
With illustrations that perfectly match the theme of the story - I loved the decorative borders on many of the pages, and appreciated both the vivid colors used throughout, and the general beauty of each scene, whether on the streets on Paris or in Marguerite's father's workshop - and an appealing heroine who steps up when facing a challenge, Marguerite Makes a Book manages to be beautiful, educational and entertaining. Children will learns quite a bit about book-making in late medieval times, before the invention of the printing-press, and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in book illustration, while also enjoying a story about a girl who helps her beloved father, when he is in need. A glossary at the rear gives the definition of many of the terms used in the story, adding another educational dimension to the book. I did wonder about the issue of gender, and whether girls ever did follow their fathers into their respective trades in real life - it would have been nice to have an afterword discussing this - but leaving that aside, this was an outstanding book! Recommended to young readers who enjoy historical fiction, are interested in medieval Europe, or are curious about book-making in times past.
With illustrations that perfectly match the theme of the story - I loved the decorative borders on many of the pages, and appreciated both the vivid colors used throughout, and the general beauty of each scene, whether on the streets on Paris or in Marguerite's father's workshop - and an appealing heroine who steps up when facing a challenge, Marguerite Makes a Book manages to be beautiful, educational and entertaining. Children will learns quite a bit about book-making in late medieval times, before the invention of the printing-press, and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in book illustration, while also enjoying a story about a girl who helps her beloved father, when he is in need. A glossary at the rear gives the definition of many of the terms used in the story, adding another educational dimension to the book. I did wonder about the issue of gender, and whether girls ever did follow their fathers into their respective trades in real life - it would have been nice to have an afterword discussing this - but leaving that aside, this was an outstanding book! Recommended to young readers who enjoy historical fiction, are interested in medieval Europe, or are curious about book-making in times past.
March 29, 2020
Storyline. Illustrations. Presentation. For me to give a picture book five stars, it has to excel on those three points, which this one does.
Storyline: Set in Paris in the early 1400s with a focus on bookmaking, and a nice balance between conversation, action, and description. The book was a huge undertaking for a girl -- perhaps it would have been more realistic if she had undertaken a less formidable task.
Illustrations: Vivid colors, varied faces, details that capture the setting, and two maps for orientation -- one that shows the city of Paris and the Seine and the other that focuses on the places that are important to the story. Notre Dame is on both maps. Mild criticism: the streets, the windows, hair and faces, clothing ... everything is remarkably clean.
Presentation: Appropriate balance of art and text, easy-to-read font, good use of space, two fold out pages (which may not have been necessary), a glossary and a note to the reader.
AND, it's published by the J. Paul Getty Museum
Storyline: Set in Paris in the early 1400s with a focus on bookmaking, and a nice balance between conversation, action, and description. The book was a huge undertaking for a girl -- perhaps it would have been more realistic if she had undertaken a less formidable task.
Illustrations: Vivid colors, varied faces, details that capture the setting, and two maps for orientation -- one that shows the city of Paris and the Seine and the other that focuses on the places that are important to the story. Notre Dame is on both maps. Mild criticism: the streets, the windows, hair and faces, clothing ... everything is remarkably clean.
Presentation: Appropriate balance of art and text, easy-to-read font, good use of space, two fold out pages (which may not have been necessary), a glossary and a note to the reader.
AND, it's published by the J. Paul Getty Museum
January 6, 2022
It's not quite about making the whole book, but rather this is about a girl who helps her father illustrate a prayer book for a wealthy noblewoman round about the 1300s - sourcing parchment, buying the raw materials, making inks and paints, preparing the goose quill for drawing, etc.
Marguerite is blessedly realistic in terms of what she does We don't see her starting from scratch, but rather, doing the tasks a gifted apprentice might do.
The illustrations are good, but an art-focused book like this one would have benefited from illustrations better than good, if you get my meaning. Would've been great -- though probably expensive -- if the drawings in the book-within-a-book had a different, more medieval color palate.
Marguerite is blessedly realistic in terms of what she does We don't see her starting from scratch, but rather, doing the tasks a gifted apprentice might do.
The illustrations are good, but an art-focused book like this one would have benefited from illustrations better than good, if you get my meaning. Would've been great -- though probably expensive -- if the drawings in the book-within-a-book had a different, more medieval color palate.
February 5, 2021
This is a gorgeous book and a sweet story. 😍
April 8, 2016
I really didn't enjoy this. Nothing ends up happening really. For example, Maguerite's dad drops his glasses and they get crushed, earlier called one of his most precious possessions, and he says 'look' and keeps on walking. Margeurite's dad is required to finish making an important book in three days, but when he and Marguerite get home, he goes and takes a rest. When Marguerite is running 'errands', she just randomly buys what she needs to make paint and goes home and starts painting her father's book, even though he said he didn't want help, and when he came in later, he was really happy. It seemed poorly planned and the result of no revising.
January 4, 2022
This is a wonderful book! My boys were inspired by the main character and very interested in all the details about how paint was made long ago. The illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly capture the style of illuminated manuscripts. We will read this one again.
April 27, 2021
Marguerite is eager to help her father illuminate a prayer book. When he loses his glasses, she starts from the ground up in sourcing materials and making supplies for a special spread in an illuminated manuscript.
Marguerite Makes a Book details the process of manuscript illumination in 15th century France. The lovely borders of several pages directly relate to the events in the text. I love it when the illustrations match the text so perfectly--it makes the reading experience interactive, not just prettified text. The story is divided into very brief chapters. IMO, it didn't need chapter breaks, but it did give Kathryn Hewitt more opportunities for artwork.
The illustrations are just a bit off. Something about the perspective on certain pages, and about the head to body ratio on others. Realism isn’t a marker of medieval art, however, and when I left my contemporary expectations behind for medieval ones, I enjoyed the art a lot more. Glancing at Hewitt’s other work reveals that she likes to play around with head sizes, so perhaps that affects it too. The cover of the book has odd angles, making it look like the illustration is sliding toward me out of the frame. This rendering of perspective reminds me of iconographic traditions that are still in use today (a notable example is Rublev’s Trinity). I don’t know how intentional this was, but it works.
A map of Paris, glossary, and author's note are included. The pages Marguerite illuminates are inspired by a manuscript in the J. Paul Getty Museum. This would be a fantastic resource for studying late medieval history, manuscript illumination, and the craft of bookmaking.
Marguerite Makes a Book details the process of manuscript illumination in 15th century France. The lovely borders of several pages directly relate to the events in the text. I love it when the illustrations match the text so perfectly--it makes the reading experience interactive, not just prettified text. The story is divided into very brief chapters. IMO, it didn't need chapter breaks, but it did give Kathryn Hewitt more opportunities for artwork.
The illustrations are just a bit off. Something about the perspective on certain pages, and about the head to body ratio on others. Realism isn’t a marker of medieval art, however, and when I left my contemporary expectations behind for medieval ones, I enjoyed the art a lot more. Glancing at Hewitt’s other work reveals that she likes to play around with head sizes, so perhaps that affects it too. The cover of the book has odd angles, making it look like the illustration is sliding toward me out of the frame. This rendering of perspective reminds me of iconographic traditions that are still in use today (a notable example is Rublev’s Trinity). I don’t know how intentional this was, but it works.
A map of Paris, glossary, and author's note are included. The pages Marguerite illuminates are inspired by a manuscript in the J. Paul Getty Museum. This would be a fantastic resource for studying late medieval history, manuscript illumination, and the craft of bookmaking.
September 13, 2009
BEAUTIFULLY illustrated. A great way for children or anyone else to learn about medieval illumination. There is even a fold-out page telling how to make four different colors of paint, and how to apply gold leaf to "illuminate" a book. The visuals are gorgeous. Children's picture books make great research books because they tend to "show" as well as "tell". Wish I'd read this before I'd written Illuminations of the Heart. One of Siri and Triston's children might have to grow up to be an illuminator, so I can use some of the information in this book!
September 1, 2018
The best thing about this books is the pictures. They are beautiful.
The text/story is decent, and I like the concept of explaining illuminated manuscripts. Some of the page order confused me, but I think that might be due to the fact that I had a library copy? I'm not sure. The costumes aren't grossly inaccurate, though they remind me in general more of Renaissance than Middle Ages (it is 1400s).
Mostly I didn't find the story incredibly engaging. But it's a beautiful book with interesting nonfiction subject matter, which seems to be mostly correct.
The text/story is decent, and I like the concept of explaining illuminated manuscripts. Some of the page order confused me, but I think that might be due to the fact that I had a library copy? I'm not sure. The costumes aren't grossly inaccurate, though they remind me in general more of Renaissance than Middle Ages (it is 1400s).
Mostly I didn't find the story incredibly engaging. But it's a beautiful book with interesting nonfiction subject matter, which seems to be mostly correct.
August 5, 2008
What can I say? I bought it for my daughter because it was her name, but I fell in love with it myself because it's a book about making a book. The artwork is lovely and the story is charming . . . especially if you're a booklady with a daughter named Margaret (or Marguerite) who happens to love books almost as much as her crazy mom!
July 12, 2012
Interesting explanation of how books were made and illustrated in pre-printing press society. I didn't like the illustrations as much, but the story contained good information.
January 9, 2015
I read this aloud to Sophia and we both loved it. After we finished we went back through and looked at all the illustrations together so we could 'ooh' and 'ahh' over the borders.
February 26, 2017
Beautiful illustrations, plotline eh.
September 26, 2023
Read for our homeschool history study. A beautifully illustrated book that tells how illuminated manuscripts were made in 1400s Paris. My kids were impressed with just how much work went into even just preparing to paint, and I’m hoping it gave them a greater appreciation for how much more accessible and affordable the written word is today.
February 6, 2026
This was a sweet book. The pages are beautifully illustrated with flowers and gold. The story shows the kindness and responsibility of a young girl who has to help her father finish a book for Lady Isabelle.
Recommended for elementary grades, but even I enjoyed this book, the illustrations, and the descriptions of of how paint was made then.
Recommended for elementary grades, but even I enjoyed this book, the illustrations, and the descriptions of of how paint was made then.
April 26, 2019
Well done!
May 14, 2019
Interesting facts about illumination of manuscripts set alongside beautiful illustrations and a sweet story. I can totally see a kid who loves art or books digging this and being inspired by it.
November 25, 2019
A very interesting look at medieval book making.
August 23, 2023
Delightful, beautiful book. We read this to accompany our study of illumination in history. It was perfect!
January 6, 2022
This book tells the story of how books were made before the printing press. The illustrations were lovely and added to the story The story was simple but helped giving the bigger picture of how books were illustrated and made in medieval times. I read it out loud to my 7 year old.
July 18, 2015
I picked up this book because the concept struck me as such a wonderful idea that I didn’t want to pass up the chance and risk not being able to find it (or of forgetting about it) when I have someone age-appropriate in the house to share it with. I’m really glad I did!
The book is superb, from cover to cover. The art is gorgeous. For some reason, a lot of children’s books have awful squiggly line art, as though kids wanted to see drawings that were apartment made by people at their artistic level. Maybe that’s true for some children, but I never appreciated being talked down to – even artistically. In this book, the illustrations (mostly watercolour, with some shiny gold detailing) are absolutely enchanting. They feature plenty of pictures detailing the process of making a book in the Middle Ages, as well as city streets and even maps of Medieval Paris.
The story itself is quite good, though fairly standard. Marguerite’s father makes books, but he’s getting too old. The deadline for a new book is coming up, but he’s broken his glasses, so Marguerite has to finish the book on her own. She walks around Paris shopping for the ingredients and then goes home to work on the book. The deadline comes and she’s finished it and the book is very beautiful and everyone is happy and proud of her.
The book is quite educational: going through several Medieval trades (including tanner and herbalist) and explaining in fairly good detail what goes into making a book. There’s an explanation of how each colour is made, how the actual painting is done, what the “paper” is made out of, etc. And then there’s all the added information contained in the pictures themselves, such as what a Medieval street might have looked like, how people dressed (depending on class), and so forth.
If I had to pick something negative to say about the book, it would be Marguerite’s treatment of the tanner. It only lasts a page, but she just comes off as being rather rude. I suppose it’s historically accurate, but it just isn’t very nice. Then again, that just opens up a nice time to talk to kids about treating everyone with respect, even if their job makes them very stinky.
The book is superb, from cover to cover. The art is gorgeous. For some reason, a lot of children’s books have awful squiggly line art, as though kids wanted to see drawings that were apartment made by people at their artistic level. Maybe that’s true for some children, but I never appreciated being talked down to – even artistically. In this book, the illustrations (mostly watercolour, with some shiny gold detailing) are absolutely enchanting. They feature plenty of pictures detailing the process of making a book in the Middle Ages, as well as city streets and even maps of Medieval Paris.
The story itself is quite good, though fairly standard. Marguerite’s father makes books, but he’s getting too old. The deadline for a new book is coming up, but he’s broken his glasses, so Marguerite has to finish the book on her own. She walks around Paris shopping for the ingredients and then goes home to work on the book. The deadline comes and she’s finished it and the book is very beautiful and everyone is happy and proud of her.
The book is quite educational: going through several Medieval trades (including tanner and herbalist) and explaining in fairly good detail what goes into making a book. There’s an explanation of how each colour is made, how the actual painting is done, what the “paper” is made out of, etc. And then there’s all the added information contained in the pictures themselves, such as what a Medieval street might have looked like, how people dressed (depending on class), and so forth.
If I had to pick something negative to say about the book, it would be Marguerite’s treatment of the tanner. It only lasts a page, but she just comes off as being rather rude. I suppose it’s historically accurate, but it just isn’t very nice. Then again, that just opens up a nice time to talk to kids about treating everyone with respect, even if their job makes them very stinky.
April 11, 2011
A good book for the upper elementary grades. Because the book is divided into a few short chapters, this book is easy to read across a short period of time. The setting of this book is an actual place in Paris and would make a great path to learning about a new culture and art. Reading the author's note, this book is not based on a real story, but was inspired by real artists and their artwork. This children's book leaves opportunities to discuss art museums and exhibits around the world wide open. Taking time to look at the illustrations in this book are vital. Notice the "gold leaf" that surrounds the margins of the pages, as described in the book. Another great example of illustrations matching the text, though these illustrations appear to be the illustrations being drawn in the story. Children are highly observant and will love noticing the little things in the illustrations that connect to the text.
April 4, 2013
With Story of the World Vol II
Good for details of the painstaking process of book making (mostly illuminating.) The story was actually pretty flat for me but there is likely nothing better written for kids.
Good for details of the painstaking process of book making (mostly illuminating.) The story was actually pretty flat for me but there is likely nothing better written for kids.
October 18, 2018
Marguerite Makes a Book is beautifully illustrated and presents historical details in the context of a simple storyline. Marguerite's father is the best book painter in Paris in the 1400s and she is learning to paint by watching him. When he is struck by a cart and breaks his glasses, Marguerite takes matters into her own hands to finish his latest project herself. Marguerite is self-confident and although it may be historically inaccurate that a 10-year-old girl could run errands by herself in Medieval Paris, the story can connect with a modern audience. I was drawn to the book because of the illustrations. Each page is illuminated with figures and details from the text on the page.
I would use Marguerite Makes a Book as part of a social studies unit on how things change over time, maybe as early as 3rd grade. The vocabulary in the text is supported well by the pictures and a guided read aloud would allow students to access the story. The illustrations accurately portray that everyone in Medieval Paris was white. This could be a point of comparison between books used in a social studies unit - why do we have racial diversity in the United States now? Why was it not present in Medieval Europe? Marguerite Makes a Book is an accessible look into Medieval Europe for upper elementary children.
I would use Marguerite Makes a Book as part of a social studies unit on how things change over time, maybe as early as 3rd grade. The vocabulary in the text is supported well by the pictures and a guided read aloud would allow students to access the story. The illustrations accurately portray that everyone in Medieval Paris was white. This could be a point of comparison between books used in a social studies unit - why do we have racial diversity in the United States now? Why was it not present in Medieval Europe? Marguerite Makes a Book is an accessible look into Medieval Europe for upper elementary children.
March 8, 2019
First sentence: In a small house in Paris, nearly six hundred years ago, lived a man who made beautiful books. His name was Jacques the Painter, but he was affectionately known as Papa Jacques because he was the oldest and most famous book painter in all of Paris.
Premise/plot: Marguerite Makes a Book is a picture book for older readers. It is set in the Middle Ages in France. The heroine is a young girl, Marguerite, the daughter of a book painter--or illustrator. When her father becomes unable to finish his work, she steps up to completes his order. She knows just what to do and how to do it. In fact her own embellishments make it even more beautiful.
My thoughts: This one is text-HEAVY. It is definitely for older readers. The text is packed with details and information--fascinating stuff for the most part. Not every reader will be interested in book making or this time period in general. But for those that are--it's an excellent read.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
Premise/plot: Marguerite Makes a Book is a picture book for older readers. It is set in the Middle Ages in France. The heroine is a young girl, Marguerite, the daughter of a book painter--or illustrator. When her father becomes unable to finish his work, she steps up to completes his order. She knows just what to do and how to do it. In fact her own embellishments make it even more beautiful.
My thoughts: This one is text-HEAVY. It is definitely for older readers. The text is packed with details and information--fascinating stuff for the most part. Not every reader will be interested in book making or this time period in general. But for those that are--it's an excellent read.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
May 9, 2022
The book is very well written and I love medieval stories but it's a shame that all the young and fair maidens in France are only blond. The boys and men are brunette but all the young girls are blond. There is a page where we see two old women that are brunette and we see in another that two little girls with barely distinguishable faces are brunettes but the ones that are drawn young, close and clear are blonds. My mother liked this story because she is represented in it but I cannot give it to the white brunettes in my family because they are not. France is in the Mediterranean, for crying out load. If we can't get brunette representation in the south, forget about the rest of Europe's brunettes getting any representation, ridiculous.
March 1, 2023
This richly illustrated picture book tells the story of Marguerite, a 15th-century Parisian girl whose father is a skilled artist of illuminated manuscripts. Marguerite is used to assisting him by preparing paints and other supplies. When his eyeglasses break with only a few days to complete an important job for a rich noblewoman, he cannot paint. He fears he will lose the commission, and with it the income his family needs. Marguerite is not about to let that happen.
This book guides the reader through the fascinating process a Medieval manuscript artist would have followed to procure the supplies, mix the paints, and create the illuminations. And Kathryn Hewitt's gorgeous, vividly colored illustrations bring to life Marguerite's surroundings and her work.
An illuminating picture book for readers and art lovers of all ages.
This book guides the reader through the fascinating process a Medieval manuscript artist would have followed to procure the supplies, mix the paints, and create the illuminations. And Kathryn Hewitt's gorgeous, vividly colored illustrations bring to life Marguerite's surroundings and her work.
An illuminating picture book for readers and art lovers of all ages.
October 29, 2017
This story is beautifully illustrated. It has the style of a fairy tale with the big first letter on every page. The boarders on the beginning of each chapter shows how Maguerite’s father’s book looks like in that time period and the style of the French people.
The story itself is also very nice. It shows how this little girl will do anything for her family to help them get money. Even though her father doesn’t believe in her, she goes out and gets everything she needs to finish the book. The men at the calf skin shop even make fun of her saying ‘you can use the scrapes for your little drawings’. This book shows little girls that they can do whatever they want no matter what anyone else says. Which is always a good theme in a book for young girls.
The story itself is also very nice. It shows how this little girl will do anything for her family to help them get money. Even though her father doesn’t believe in her, she goes out and gets everything she needs to finish the book. The men at the calf skin shop even make fun of her saying ‘you can use the scrapes for your little drawings’. This book shows little girls that they can do whatever they want no matter what anyone else says. Which is always a good theme in a book for young girls.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews