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Reviewed by Carma Dutra, Picture Book Reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Camille and the Sunflowers, A story about Vincent van Gogh
Author/Illustrator: Laurence Anholt
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Barron’s Educational Series; 1st edition (August 1, 1994)
ISBN-10: 0812064097
ISBN-13: 978-0812064094
This is a factual story about an encounter between a boy named Camille and the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. Camille’s father was the local postman and every day after school Camille would help his father unload heavy sacks of mail from the train. One day Camille noticed a strange looking man getting off the train. The strange man introduced himself to Camille as Vincent the painter.
As the story goes, Camille and his father noticed Vincent did not have any money or know any one in town, so they befriended him with some old furniture and some pots and pans. Sunflowers grew tall and wild where Camille lived and they looked like real suns bursting with light in the fields. Camille picks a huge bunch for the painter and puts them in a big brown pot. In return for their kindness, Vincent offers to paint each member of their family.
Through out the book, author/illustrator, Laurence Anholt, uses pen and delicate watercolor illustrations that also show reproductions of some of van Gogh’s famous paintings including “Portrait of Camille Roulin” and “Vase with 14 Sunflowers” and some famous scenes like van Gogh’s bedroom in the yellow house. The townspeople never accept Vincent and they make fun of him all the time. Eventually they will force van Gogh to leave town. However, van Gogh leaves a special painting for Camille.
This simple story delivers a strong message to young readers about tolerance and compassion. Vincent van Gogh had a sad life and it is evident by this story he was a sad person. However, the strong point of the story is about friendship and acceptance. “Listen Camille,” said his father, “people often laugh at things that are different, but I’ve got a feeling that one day they will learn to love Vincent’s painting.” Camille never wavered in his friendship toward Vincent and his father was right. Through this important message Anholt is also able to introduce young readers to fine art.
About the author: Laurence Anholt was born in London and brought up mainly in Holland. He studied art at several schools including the royal Academy. Both he and his wife write and illustrate children’s books.
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For more reviews of awarding winning children’s books, plus other resources for children’s writers, visit CarmasWindow.blogspot.com
