Reviews

The Artist and Me by Sophie Casson, Shane Peacock

trevoryan's review against another edition

5.0

A great little story book about a child bullying Vincent Van Gogh, only to realize the artist's genius later in life.

migimon2002's review against another edition

4.0

A simplistic story with a positive message. This book reminds us to avoid passing judgement on someone just because others do, and that you never know when someone’s true potential will be reached. This would also be a superb mentor text to use in an art class, to introduce students to the works of Vincent Van Gogh.

beths0103's review against another edition

5.0

This book affected me deeply. Vincent Van Gogh, one of the greatest artists of all time, was judged and bullied mercilessly, even by young children who looked down on his art as crazy and garish. This is a fictionalized account of a young boy who came to recognize the error of his ways when, despite bullying Van Gogh as a child, was offered one of his paintings by the artist himself and refused to accept it, running away from the crazy artist. Now as an old man, he stands in a museum in Paris, looking at the priceless painting he refused so many years ago, wishing he had been kinder to the man.

iffer's review against another edition

2.0

I liked this book, but it's a 2-3 star book for me because I'm not really sure I'd recommend it for its intended audience of children. I might just be a crotchety old person, but I'm not a fan of children's books that are more for the adults that read them than the children. I like the idea of this book, and it's a good story of bullying, but he overall effect of the art and words is too melancholy and regretful! I like the Van Gogh-inspired art's color palette, but the thick graphite lines used for the faces makes the people look scary, and even monstrous at times.

jillyd's review against another edition

4.0

I liked the fact that this book is about a part of Van Gogh's life and art, but is also a story about a bully who realizes bullying is wrong. Bravo to the author and illustrator for doing a fine job!

muddypuddle's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 This book says SO much. The story, from the point-of-view of a bully who was horrendous to VanGogh when he lived in Arles, is excellent and thought-provoking. I love the way that Sophie Casson used Van Gogh's paintings and put her own "brand" to them for most of the illustrations in the book. There is one illustration, however, that is a bit off-putting to me, a doubled page spread of the bullies laughing at him. They are really ugly and don't fit with the rest of the story somehow. Perhaps it's to show how ugly bullies really are?
I've already got lots of lesson plans in mind to use with this book - both for Owning Up/ Annatude/ bullying and for the glory of VanGogh's art! This is a really nice addition to the genre of art books for kids.

libraryrobin's review against another edition

3.0

A boy encounters Van Gogh, who is mocked and bullied by the townspeople.

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

3.0

The author chose to write a fictional story about one of the many boys who tormented van Gogh during his time in Arles.

wordnerd153's review against another edition

3.0

Interesting way to introduce VanGogh to young readers.

claudiaswisher's review against another edition

4.0

A thoughtful look at how Van Gogh might have suffered from children others...for being different. Told in first person, we learn of an old man remembering his bullying behavior in Arles toward a man no one could understand...a man who was hard to understand. Now, in hindsight, he visits the artist's work and burns in shame.