van Gogh and the Sunflowers: A True Story of Art and Friendship (Anholt's Artists Books For Children)

This simple little fictional story is a lovely way to introduce young children to the wonderful world of art. I like that the author has inserted a child into the story to interact with the artist. The illustrations are colorful and inviting. My 5 year old granddaughter loves Vincent Van Gogh and wanted a book about him. This book has been a gentle way to introduce her to an artist, who struggled to be accepted in life, and ultimately conquered with his art. The book showcases a few of Van Gogh's masterpieces (photographs) inserted along throughout the storyline. I liked this book so much I have ordered additional books by this author, about other artists.

I can't say enough good about this series. It is a creative way to introduce kids to these artists. They are written to be kids stories and entertain while throwing in some information about who the artist is, to show the artists' general style and introduce some specific works by the artist. My daughter is 5. She soaks this stuff in. I think she would have been able to be as receptive to the stories at age 4 and maybe just earlier than that but it would have been pushing the envelope. I suspect she will enjoy the stories for another couple years. It has lead us to google some of the actual artists' works. My daughter now wants to find some museums that have some of the pieces that are addressed in the books.

I am introducing an artist each month for a Pre-K class. So I was looking for a simple book giving the story of Van Gogh's life that four and five year olds would be interested in. This book has wonderful illustrations which the children recognized as some of Van Gogh's famous paintings. The story was basic but perfect for this age group and didn't get into the fact that he cut his ear off and shot himself. At the back of the book there is a page giving dates and facts about Van Gogh. I will definitely buy more of Laurence Anholt's books about other artists.

My 6.5 year old loves reading this book. It’s a fun story that she asks to read over and over :)

This is a wonderful series and I love this wonderfully illustrated story of Van Gogh's time in Arles, France. The story tells of him moving in to the "yellow house" and being inspired by the colors in southern France. There are many easily recognizable works by Van Gogh in this story. But it also talks about how the town's people felt that Vincent and his paintings didn't fit in with their town. At one point in the story, the kids throw rocks at Vincent and his friend Camille. Camille's father does explain to Camille that "people often laugh at things that are different, but I've got a feeling that one day they will learn to love Vincent's paintings." Eventually Vincent is forced to leave the town but he gives Camille one of his paintings of the sunflowers. *** My caution does not come from the story itself but a book note that is printed on the last page of the story (not even on a book jacket that you can take off and put away). It explains how Vincent later becomes depressed and cuts off one of his ears. It also explains that even after seeking the help of a doctor that he commits suicide by shooting himself with a pistol. This is a tough fact for me to reconcile sharing with the age group that this book is intended for. You of course can choose not to read it to your child (or children if sharing with a class), however any curious early reader is sure to take notice of this information since it is simply printed on the last illustrated page of the story. Just be prepared and have an explanation for this information if you don't have the chance to censor the last page of the book.

You feel a great deal of sympathy for this artist after reading this book - miss-understood, under-appreciated, and alone, you can see why his life and art tended to be rather depressing, although this story doesn't really dwell on tragedy. It is a fantastic introduction for a child to the man behind the art. The illustrations, although never pretending to re-create the actual paintings van Gogh was so famous for, several times presented landscapes or backgrounds that those familiar with his art would recognize. I thought that was a nice touch and might spark some additional interest in children if a parent/teacher points it out to them (or they discover it on their own). I'll be checking out more of this series!

If you are an elementary school art teacher, you NEED this book in your classroom library. Great story about Vincent Van Gogh that shows his struggles in life but with a good moral lesson. The illustrations as awesome and incorporate so much of Van Gogh's personal work. It mentions "Starry Night" but the main focus is on his "Sunflowers" painting. My kids love this book and I'm happy to finally have my own copy!

This book is attractive and well-written. My older students (grades 4-7) enjoyed listening to it and gained a better understanding of the artist through the printed artwork and interesting details of his life.

I love these books, they are a great way to inspire children and interest them in art and artists. I have read them with my own children and used them in school with children from nursery age to year 4 (3-9 yrs).

This book has delightful illustrations, and my three year old loved it!! Definitely appropriate for older children as well.

My Kinders loved it! They really felt for Vincent, and it opened the door to talks about inclusion, friendship, explorations of sunflowers, seeds, obvious invitations to paint, etc. Thank you for this gentle and interesting book!

The book is beautifully presented and is a nice way to introduce children to one of art old masters.

Bought for my daughter she loved the story