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Mornings with Monet
A new picture book about the iconic artist Claude Monet, from the Caldecott-Award winning team that created The Noisy Paint Box.
Claude Monet is one of the world's most beloved artists--and he became famous during his own lifetime. He rejected a traditional life laid out clean and smooth before him. Instead he chose a life of art. But not just any a new way of seeing that came to be called impressionism.
Monet loved to paint what he saw around him, particularly the Seine River. He was initially rejected for using bright colors, tangled brushstrokes--condemned for his impressions. But soon art dealers and collectors were lining up each morning to see as Monet saw. Monet, however, waited only for the light. The changing light...each morning he had a dozen canvases on hand to paint a dozen different moments. His brush moved back and forth, chasing sunlight--putting in the arduous work to create an image that seemed to contain no effort at all.
The stellar team that brought you the Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box explores another influential painter, in a moving tribute to creativity, commitment, and new ways of seeing the world around you.
Claude Monet is one of the world's most beloved artists--and he became famous during his own lifetime. He rejected a traditional life laid out clean and smooth before him. Instead he chose a life of art. But not just any a new way of seeing that came to be called impressionism.
Monet loved to paint what he saw around him, particularly the Seine River. He was initially rejected for using bright colors, tangled brushstrokes--condemned for his impressions. But soon art dealers and collectors were lining up each morning to see as Monet saw. Monet, however, waited only for the light. The changing light...each morning he had a dozen canvases on hand to paint a dozen different moments. His brush moved back and forth, chasing sunlight--putting in the arduous work to create an image that seemed to contain no effort at all.
The stellar team that brought you the Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box explores another influential painter, in a moving tribute to creativity, commitment, and new ways of seeing the world around you.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 7, 2021
Wonderful book that looks at Monet's boat studio and how he would travel down the river Seine in it. The way he switched canvases as the light would change was a revelation to me - I had no idea he was that exacting as far as the time he would spend on a painting. The illustrations in the book evoke Monet while still retaining vivid originality. A very good book for a small child interested in art.
April 2, 2023
beautiful
This is a picture book exploring the artist Claude Monet. I would recommend this book to any child interested in art. The storytelling is playful and encouraging to any young budding artist, reminding them that art is work. They must keep at their craft. The artistry in the book match Monet’s color pallets and brush strokes, making the book magical and a work of beauty.
This is a picture book exploring the artist Claude Monet. I would recommend this book to any child interested in art. The storytelling is playful and encouraging to any young budding artist, reminding them that art is work. They must keep at their craft. The artistry in the book match Monet’s color pallets and brush strokes, making the book magical and a work of beauty.
January 3, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
We've decided to check out different artists during January and so started with Claude Monet. This lovely book takes us out with Monet at 3:30am to begin his painting day, painting a number of canvases consecutively as the sky changes, so he changes with it, from the middle of the Seine River in France, where he lived.
Introductory facts and concepts were well-presented, and gave me an opportunity to also share screens of some of his most famous paintings. Many they recognized from prints they'd seen in various places in their worlds. It was a delight to have this book to start the discussion of Monet and his contribution to art in our world.
We've decided to check out different artists during January and so started with Claude Monet. This lovely book takes us out with Monet at 3:30am to begin his painting day, painting a number of canvases consecutively as the sky changes, so he changes with it, from the middle of the Seine River in France, where he lived.
Introductory facts and concepts were well-presented, and gave me an opportunity to also share screens of some of his most famous paintings. Many they recognized from prints they'd seen in various places in their worlds. It was a delight to have this book to start the discussion of Monet and his contribution to art in our world.
Read
May 10, 2021Delightful book; I loved the illustrations. It brought out my desire to paint once again.
August 2, 2021
Mornings with Monet is a children's picture book written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Claude Monet spends an early morning in his studio boat, painting scenes of the Seine.
Oscar-Claude Monet was a French painter and founder of impressionist painting who is seen as a key precursor to modernism, especially in his attempts to paint nature as he perceived it.
Rosenstock's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. As Rosenstock deftly describes Monet's working day, she adds daubs of biographical detail. Backmatter includes sources and acknowledgements. GrandPré's acrylic paint and ink illustrations illuminate and shines the daily routine of the master artist.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It shows the idiosyncratic painting practice of Claude Monet. Descriptions of his process illuminate and shine alongside: readers peer over Monet’s shoulder as he works his way through fourteen canvases, each for only as many minutes as it matches what he sees, capturing a series of transparencies.
All in all, Mornings with Monet is a worthy introduction to this master artist.
Oscar-Claude Monet was a French painter and founder of impressionist painting who is seen as a key precursor to modernism, especially in his attempts to paint nature as he perceived it.
Rosenstock's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. As Rosenstock deftly describes Monet's working day, she adds daubs of biographical detail. Backmatter includes sources and acknowledgements. GrandPré's acrylic paint and ink illustrations illuminate and shines the daily routine of the master artist.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It shows the idiosyncratic painting practice of Claude Monet. Descriptions of his process illuminate and shine alongside: readers peer over Monet’s shoulder as he works his way through fourteen canvases, each for only as many minutes as it matches what he sees, capturing a series of transparencies.
All in all, Mornings with Monet is a worthy introduction to this master artist.
May 20, 2021
Quite good. V. interesting delve into Monet's series work on the Seine. Illustrations and words pair nicely--light incorporation of biographical material. Too old for C--maybe suited to 4-5 y.o.
Good end matter and works cited.
Good end matter and works cited.
June 28, 2025
As someone who has spent a lot of time crying in front of Impressionist works in museums, when I saw this book on the shelves at work I knew I had to read it. Mornings with Monet was a lovely peek into Monet's process with gorgeous art to match his painting style. I think kids will find it interesting and inspiring.
Loved this quote "Anyone who creates understands– that art is not magic. It is work, and work, and work, and then... it is magic."
Loved this quote "Anyone who creates understands– that art is not magic. It is work, and work, and work, and then... it is magic."
March 6, 2026
Barb Rosenstock is beyond brilliant. Her picture book biography work on famous artists is some of my very favorite in the kid lit world. Her writing is delicious to read and it educates the mind and heart so effectively at the same time.
This book highlights Monet later on in his career as he worked on his series “Mornings on the Seine” on his makeshift boat art studio.
Such an inspiration!
“Anyone who creates understands— that art is not magic. It is work,
and work,
and work, and then…
IT IS MAGIC.”
This book highlights Monet later on in his career as he worked on his series “Mornings on the Seine” on his makeshift boat art studio.
Such an inspiration!
“Anyone who creates understands— that art is not magic. It is work,
and work,
and work, and then…
IT IS MAGIC.”
September 9, 2022
I can't begin to describe a day as wonderful as this. One marvel after another. Each lasting less than five minutes. . . ." ~ Claude Monet
In this new picture book about Monet's life, we see him getting up before the sun and setting up on his studio boat in time to catch the light on the Seine during sunrise. He has multiple canvases with paintings in progress. As the light changes, he moves to each one spending a few minutes before moving onto the next one that matches the current lighting. On his way home he passes the pond by his house and mentally makes a note to paint those water lilies. Love this glimpse into his methods and the reminder of how much work it can take to produce the types of works that endure. Includes an author's note with additional details about Monet's life.
When I work, I forget all the rest. ~ Claude Monet
In this new picture book about Monet's life, we see him getting up before the sun and setting up on his studio boat in time to catch the light on the Seine during sunrise. He has multiple canvases with paintings in progress. As the light changes, he moves to each one spending a few minutes before moving onto the next one that matches the current lighting. On his way home he passes the pond by his house and mentally makes a note to paint those water lilies. Love this glimpse into his methods and the reminder of how much work it can take to produce the types of works that endure. Includes an author's note with additional details about Monet's life.
When I work, I forget all the rest. ~ Claude Monet
February 22, 2026
Just a little bit of Monet. But it captures a time and a place and a series of pictures. Usually I struggle a little with picture books of artists - typically the book has to choose between faking the art or leaving it out. But in this case it is Monet. And the artist captures the spirit of the art. And the writer spins the story of working on many canvases at once from a boat in the Seine - just painting whichever canvas captures the right light, if only for a moment.
December 8, 2020
Stunning illustrations that are sure to get the attention of the 2022 Caldecott committee
August 27, 2021
Absolutely beautiful illustrations!
September 5, 2021
The text is engaging and interesting: the artwork is exquisite and makes this picture book a keeper, for me.
October 11, 2022
Lovely slice of life biography looking at Monet in his garden, the illustrations capture the context of the painter, and the text is interesting and uses different fonts to add interest.
November 27, 2023
Beautiful and so informative! If you are interested in Monet’s later years of life this book is very helpful!
March 24, 2021
I love it!
January 12, 2022
A beautiful Biography that towards the end, delivers magic.
The illustrations are stunning, especially the "magical" one.
The illustrations are stunning, especially the "magical" one.
October 11, 2021
Mornings with Monet (read 10/3/21, but not then reviewed, 40 pages)
The Noisy Paint Box (read 10/3/21, but not then reviewed, 32 pages)
Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall's Life and Art (read today, 40 pages)
All by Barb Rosenstock, and illustrated by Mary GrandPre.
This beautiful series of books about artist is illustrated by Mary GrandPre (illustrator of the original American Scholastic versions of the Harry Potter series). Her skill with the color as well as her imitations of the artists featured in the books were amazing to experience. We enjoyed examining each page. We also enjoyed learning about these various artists and their lives and the paths they took to learn to create their works and hone their styles. We would recommend these to any child wishing to learn more about great artists.
The Noisy Paint Box (read 10/3/21, but not then reviewed, 32 pages)
Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall's Life and Art (read today, 40 pages)
All by Barb Rosenstock, and illustrated by Mary GrandPre.
This beautiful series of books about artist is illustrated by Mary GrandPre (illustrator of the original American Scholastic versions of the Harry Potter series). Her skill with the color as well as her imitations of the artists featured in the books were amazing to experience. We enjoyed examining each page. We also enjoyed learning about these various artists and their lives and the paths they took to learn to create their works and hone their styles. We would recommend these to any child wishing to learn more about great artists.
September 25, 2021
Was fascinated with this title as it focused on an aspect of Monet that I was unaware of, his series of paintings of the river Seine near his home. Having recently viewed several Zoom lectures on art I was well aware of Monet’s series of paintings on the lily ponds and the haystack, but nothing had been mentioned about the river paintings which in my opinion are a major undertaking as dawning light on a river changes from second to second as dawn arrives. I love the fact this title focuses on a specific set of paintings and I am fortunate to view a major U. S. river every morning as dawn comes.
August 3, 2021
This remarkable picture book introduces young readers to the beloved artist Claude Monet, to his meticulous painting style and to his intense work ethic. The story follows the artist in his older years, rising at 3:30, walking to his studio boat and working on a series of canvases, moving from one to another as the light shifts and changes. Monet works almost feverishly, intent on the play of the light as the sun rises over the day.
Rosenstock's text is wonderful, providing important information but not overwhelming the reader or slowly the story. Her explanation of Monet's technique is beautifully clear and the descriptions skillfully reflect the glorious scenes Monet sees before him.
And then there are Mary Grandpre's luminous illustrations! Perfectly matching the text, she shows readers Monet's process, how he executed brush strokes, saw and used color, always focusing on the changing light. Through the work of these two gifted artists, Monet and his work come alive for young readers and in this book, they too have created glorious art.
An Author's Note providing more information, a list of Sources and reproductions of 5 of Monet's paintings make up the back matter.
On a personal note, it was a delight to see how beautifully Grandpre included the details of Giverny, the house and garden in the illustrations. One of the true highlights of my past travels is the time I spent visiting the garden, house, town and surrounding area. It makes me yearn to visit again! This is must purchase for school and public library collections and will be a delight to use in classrooms.
Rosenstock's text is wonderful, providing important information but not overwhelming the reader or slowly the story. Her explanation of Monet's technique is beautifully clear and the descriptions skillfully reflect the glorious scenes Monet sees before him.
And then there are Mary Grandpre's luminous illustrations! Perfectly matching the text, she shows readers Monet's process, how he executed brush strokes, saw and used color, always focusing on the changing light. Through the work of these two gifted artists, Monet and his work come alive for young readers and in this book, they too have created glorious art.
An Author's Note providing more information, a list of Sources and reproductions of 5 of Monet's paintings make up the back matter.
On a personal note, it was a delight to see how beautifully Grandpre included the details of Giverny, the house and garden in the illustrations. One of the true highlights of my past travels is the time I spent visiting the garden, house, town and surrounding area. It makes me yearn to visit again! This is must purchase for school and public library collections and will be a delight to use in classrooms.
May 10, 2021
Barb Rosenstock has a history with telling stories about artists and I like the way she brings readers into this one, starting our own morning with Monet as he rises at 3:30am, preparing for his day painting on the water, painting the water, the light, as is written, "Painting the river's colors, and the air around the colors. Monet wipes his brow; it is not easy to paint air." Monet's studio is a boat and he has a helper who covers the canvases, bringing them out as the light changes and Monet works with another painting, according to the light. This luscious book illustrated by Mary Grandpré who also illustrated others by Barb Rosenstock, like The Noisy Paint Box, earning a Caldecott Honor, will inspire everyone to research more about Monet and perhaps his cohorts from the Impressionist movement. There is added information at the back.
April 24, 2021
Rosenstock and GrandPré are no strangers to art history biographies, having previously tackled Wassily Kandinsky, Vincent Van Gogh, and Marc Chagall, but their latest offering is especially effective. Mary GrandPré's acrylic illustrations are wonderfully evocative, managing to capture the style and feeling of a Monet masterpiece. Rosenstock's text matches the tone of the illustrations with sweeping language and touches of tongue-in-cheek humor. Mornings with Monet is a great introduction to one of art history's greatest masters and a lovely tribute. Monet fans new and old will inhale this book like a breath of fresh air.
January 14, 2022
Captures one quiet morning on his small boat on the Seine where Monet tries to reproduce the scene and light by repeatedly switching canvases, each with a slightly different palette. More of a picture book for older children and adults, this is a simple portrayal of the effort behind his work that art lovers and artists of all ages will appreciate. The illustrations in soft blues and greens keep the reader anchored in the river and Monet's work. Both text and illustrations are soothing, but interesting. The design of one spread has words following the swirl of the river and Monet's brief comment about the artistic process stands alone on a spread greatly resembling one of his paintings.
July 21, 2021
This is an example of illustration perfectly paired with text. Mary Grandpre doesn't imitate Monet's style but rather evokes it in her gorgeous paintings. Author Barb Rosenstock focuses on one morning in Monet's life as an artist. (I write picture book bios, too, and I have such trouble narrowing a life down to a few hundred words, but the author does it beautifully here.) She has also mastered the page turn, and ending the book with Monet returning home to his yellow kitchen for breakfast with his family is perfect. I think this is one of the most beautiful books of 2021.
September 13, 2021
This beautiful picture book biography of Monet's later life particularly highlights his series of paintings titled "Mornings on the Seine."
Rising at 3:30 a.m. and painting on a several canvases from a boat moored in the river, Monet captured the changing light of morning on the water.
The illustrations and back matter amplify the accessible text.
Tie-in with art history, biography, and discussions around character qualities of patience, perseverance, and hard work.
See also the excellent review by Lynn Rutan.
Rising at 3:30 a.m. and painting on a several canvases from a boat moored in the river, Monet captured the changing light of morning on the water.
The illustrations and back matter amplify the accessible text.
Tie-in with art history, biography, and discussions around character qualities of patience, perseverance, and hard work.
See also the excellent review by Lynn Rutan.
December 16, 2021
This was a wonderful look into a morning of Monet's life. I loved the way it said "It (art) is work, and work, and work, and then... it is magic." That might've been my favorite page.
Having some previous knowledge of Monet and his art is helpful, but not necessary, to enjoy this book. Mary GrandPre's illustrations were perfect for representing Monet's art style, and the colors were calming and beautiful.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in art, painting, Monet, or France.
Having some previous knowledge of Monet and his art is helpful, but not necessary, to enjoy this book. Mary GrandPre's illustrations were perfect for representing Monet's art style, and the colors were calming and beautiful.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in art, painting, Monet, or France.
October 31, 2024
This book shows a day when Monet rises at 3am and travels out to a boat moored in the middle of the Seine. His assistant readies several paintings, each numbered, while Monet readies his paints. When the light is just right, he begins painting. As the light changes, he switches to the next painting until by afternoon, the light is not what he needs and all are stored for another day.
This was how he did his "series" works--same scene at different times of the day.
This was how he did his "series" works--same scene at different times of the day.
March 27, 2021
This is a quiet and pretty picture book. It didn't blow me away like many picture book biographies do. Some information about his life was weaved it but most of the book was just about this one series (which, in comparison to his other work, doesn't seem that special to me).
The illustrations are beautiful though!
The illustrations are beautiful though!
August 4, 2021
This was a fascinating look at Monet and a series of pictures he painted during a specific period of his life of the Seine River. I think this book would definitely appeal more to older elementary students and up as the concepts of what he was doing are a little more advanced. But having actually visited his home in Giverny, this was an extra special read for me.
October 13, 2021
Based on other biographies of artists by this duo, I expected to read more about Monet's life. Instead, this book focuses on the time when he was painting his river series. Through this we get a rich, in depth look at how Monet worked as he captured light in his paintings. Additional details about his life are there in the author's note in the back matter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews