The First Starry Night

by Joan Shaddox Isom

Set during van Gogh's time in Arles, France, this story tells of van Gogh's friendship with a young boy, Jacques, who lives in the same house. As van Gogh teaches Jacques a new way to look at the world around him, the two become fast friends, even brothers. When van Gogh finally leaves Arles, he leaves behind some paintings; but more than paintings, he leaves memories which will last the young boy a lifetime.

Illustrated with paintings done in the impressionist style, THE FIRST STARRY NIGHT is a beautiful introduction to van Gogh's work as well as a moving story about the true meaning of friendship and brotherhood.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[rené lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

When your mom buys you a children's book about Vincent van Gogh because she know you love him and it's nice to get a present, you feel a little better about life that day.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the illustrator tried to mimic Van Gogh' technique in painting...I don't think they're successful but they get the credit for trying.

Part of Van Gogh's life is illuminated through the words of a little boy.

I like how the writer addressed Van Gogh's mental illness

(1)"...why aren't you afraid of me? The other children are." "Because I see you feeding the stray dog. And Melon the cat likes you." "And what if I talk to myself?" he asks. "I do that too, when I'm working in the kitchen alone..."

(2)Madame Rouel told me to run if you start to throw paint or brushes," I say. "I told her not to worry. I can run very fast" Vincent laughs for a long time...


(3)But the stars don't really look the way you have painted them" I tell him. ...."How do you know how I see the stars, Jaques?"

not sure how a child might receive this book, but I liked it.

[R. C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one flat out says that people were scared of and mean to him, and still does not explain why. When will someone write a picture book about Van Gogh that either skips that or explains it? The illustrations are pretty great though.

[Nicholas King · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have the slightest knowledge of art, you can assume by the title and the first page of the book, who the book is going to be about, Vincent Van Gogh. The story is about a young boy, Jacques, who lives downstairs from a man who is quiet and doesn't talk to many people but he knows this man is an artist. The boy catches Vincent feeding the stray animals in the neighborhood so the boy knows he can't be too bad. He ends up developing a relationship with Van Gogh and one of the only people Vincent has ever talked to. Eventually, Vincent has to leave because he has to go and try to sell his paintings but he also leaves the boy with a decent amount of money so the boy can go through school and be successful. i really enjoyed the pictures in this book.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3 stars solely for the beautiful art that mimics Van Gogh's style relatively successfully. The story was strange and my kids found it unengaging.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually beautify, Too advanced for the students I was hoping to share it with for independent reading (2-3 graders w/ Dyslexia) but will be a great one to read with them.