School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Edgar Degas (1834-1917) was born, raised, and educated in Paris and as an artist exhibited there as well. The city and its bustling avenues, milliner shops and laundries, Opera House, and other sites were his inspiration and the people who lived and worked there, his subjects. Friedman's simple text relates how Degas, one of the founding members of impressionism, liked to travel about the city in a cape and top hat, with a cane in hand, observing and translating what he saw into art. The brief text also works in a few personal details, such as the location of his studio, and describes the man's early artistic style. Pieropan's expansive prints, which illustrate the story, often adopt the shallow, stagelike settings and the unusual perspectives of Degas's art. They alternate with full-page, quality reproductions of the master's work in several mediums, from his monotypes of men and women living and working in Paris to pastels of ballerinas-onstage and offstage. An author's note provides additional biographical information on the artist and details on the reproductions. VERDICT Libraries-both close to and far from museums-in need of introductions to art and artists will want to consider this beautifully illustrated volume.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
The world was changing. Paris was alive" begins Friedman's spare text, which follows Edgar Degas as he observes and records "life in motion." At each stop--a milliner's, a laundry, the racetrack, and the Opera House--related Degas reproductions are integrated into the story. This practical introduction to the artist's (and Impressionism's) fascination with everyday modern life includes lively, finely rendered cityscapes. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Determined to capture the beauty of the passing moment, French impressionist Edgar Degas takes to the streets of nineteenth-century Paris. Each inspiring instance a view from the window of a bustling bus as well as trips to the milliner, the racetrack, and the ballet though initially introduced by Pieropan's sweeping double-page spreads, is followed by miniature reproductions of Degas' monotypes and pastels. Friedman's straightforward prose, filled with interactive questions (We are made to look at each other, don't you think?), further urges young readers to consider the artistic process. Pieropan's illustrations, often borrowing hues from the displayed Degas works (browns, blues, yellows, and reds), are equally engaging; readers will scramble to find the frequently concealed artist top hat, cane, binoculars, and all amid teeny dachshunds, shop windows, parasols, and hats galore. Complete with brief but essential back matter a quick biography and a list of featured works this is a perceptive, if swift, introduction to a remarkable artist, perfect for pairing with your own paper and pastels.--Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2016 Booklist
