Dorothy & Herbert: An Ordinary Couple and Their Extraordinary Collection of Art

by Jackie Azúa Kramer, Julia Breckenreid (Illustrator)

A picture book biography about an ordinary New York City couple and their extraordinary collection of art

In the heart of Manhattan lived a librarian and a postal clerk who loved art so much that they collected it. Over the years, Dorothy and Herbert brought home hundreds of works of art—from little-known SoHo artists to luminaries such as Chuck Close and Christo and Jeanne-Claude—to their small, empty-walled apartment, much to the curiosity and delight of their eight cats and tank of fish. Their passion for art and support of artists was so impressive, Dorothy and Herbert became famous themselves. And when they gifted their extraordinary collection to the National Gallery of Art, their art became ours, inspiring new generations of artists.

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

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

About the author

Jackie Azúa Kramer is an award-winning and internationally translated children’s book author. Her picture books include THE GREEN UMBRELLA, 2017 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year; IF YOU WANT TO FALL ASLEEP; THE BOY AND THE GORILLA, 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner; I WISH YOU KNEW, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books and Parents’ Magazine Book Club Pick; MILES WON’T SMILE; DOROTHY AND HERBERT: AN ORDINARY COUPLE AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION OF ART, Junior Library Guild Gold Selection. Her upcoming picture books are MANOLO AND THE UNICORN, WE ARE ONE, EMPANADAS FOR EVERYONE and BOOGIE IN THE BRONX.

Jackie strives to write books that meet children where they are and reflect what children see in the mirror and out of their windows. She lives with her family in Long Island, NY.

Jackie is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and is represented by Stephen Fraser of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Rebecca Durrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet picture book that beautifully captures the Vogel’s shared passion for art and inspiring support of artists. I’ve been lucky to work with portions of Dorothy & Herbert’s impressive donated collection, and I’m thrilled their story has been shared in such a lovely way.

[Gina Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOROTHY & HERBERT: AN ORDINARY COUPLE AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION OF ART is a beautifully written picture book by Jackie Azua Kramer and stunningly illustrated by Julia Breckenreid. It is a true story about Dorothy and Herbert Vogels' shared lifelong passion for art. This book actually demonstrates how Dorothy and Herbert are anything but ordinary! During their lifetime together, the Vogels collected thousands of pieces of art that they kept in their small NYC apartment [along with their 8 cats and many fish.] This is truly a unique and special story. The Vogels eventually donated their collection to the National Gallery of Art. This inspiring book is a perfect way to introduce young children to the world of art. Adults will find this book exceptional as well. Five out of Five Stars!

[John Mullarkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy and Herbert Vogel shared an obsessive passion for art and collected it for that very reason. The collection grew and grew and soon became too big for their tiny New York City apartment so - after time, they donated it all to the National Museum in Washington. They loved to have parties with fellow art-lovers and the artists themselves - and some of those artists became famous; thus the collected donation became even more of a spectacular endeavor; and even after their apartment was clear of the original artwork - they started up again. This a great book to share - it is big and colorful. it also a great way to show how we can collect and share art and collectibles that we love and how we can be charitable and share it with others who have similar passions.

[Bonnie Grubman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Civil servants by day, Dorothy and Herbert Vogel shared a voracious passion for collecting art and filled their small Manhattan apartment (over four decades) with more than 4,000 objects. Their collections, which have been donated to museums, are one of the most important contemporary art collections in history. And thanks to Jackie Azua Kramer for bringing the Vogel's amazing story to life in a beautiful picture book. Her soulful text is impeccably paired with Julia Breckenreid's gorgeous and inventive illustrations. Makes for a fantastic coffee table book too. For ages 5 to 100.

[Judy Shemtob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you think a librarian and postal worker like Dorothy and Herbert Vogel could take up painting, become art collectors, socialize with artists in NYC, and amass a vast collection now part of the National Gallery of Art? The scenario seems more like fairy tale than a reality. However author Jackie Azua Kramer in her nonfiction picture book biography DOROTHY & HERBERT illustrated by the brilliant Julia Breckenreid (Abrams 2021) shares the life of the extraordinary couple who did just that. A wonderful book for art students, art teachers, and adults alike!

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big and colorful book about an art-loving couple and the massive collection they accumulated, which they eventually donated away. The art in this book was a highlight for me. There were also lots of artist cameos and references, such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, M. C. Escher, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol, plus many more I did not know. The artist does identify all the artists and works of art on her website (https://breckenreid.com/new-page-1), but I think it would have been more helpful to include all that information in the book, too.

[Roseanne Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy & Herbert is an extraordinary book for an extraordinary couple. We follow how two ordinary people in the 60's amassed an amazing collection of art work in a tiny Manhattan apartment. a lovely story about how everyday people can make a difference. The illustrations are works of art themselves with BEAUTIFUL fold outs, museum quality presentation. A must for art teachers, art lovers, and museum shops.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book. I'm not sure the content would resonate very well with young readers who don't have the background to understand the art world. Perhaps this book can be shared as a way to explain that often artwork is owned and donated to museums so others can see it. I wish greatly that this book had shown photographs of the artwork the Vogels had shared. The book felt removed from the actual art.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed this book, I think I enjoyed simply learning about Dorothy & Herbert even more. Why had I never heard of them? This took me down a rabbit hole of exploring several of the resources in the back matter. I would love to see the documentary about them. What a great way to introduce this to children.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and inspiring true story of an extraordinary couple who loved art completely and generously shared that love and their astonishing collection.

For an older reader than the usual pre-school reader and great for picture book biography units or art classes.

[Evon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely include the childrens picture books I read on my goodreads list, but Dorothy and Herbert is so entirely charming, that it is my pick already for my 2022 list.

[Y.Poston]

an enthusiastic portrayal of these two art collectors,
love the energy & illustrations!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story about an ordinary couple with an extraordinary hobby of collecting art.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful, beautiful book! Thanks for the recommendation, Melody!

[Carol Gordon Ekster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the telling of this nonfiction picture book and the art. I also loved the themes of generosity and an appreciation for art. Wonderful!

[Rolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely testament to a NYC couples' love of art--and like the best picture books about art, this one got creative in its portrayal of art on the page, and it was gorgeous.