Written by Patricia MacLachlan, Illustrated by Hadley Hooper
“If you were a boy named Henri Matisse” how would the world around you influence you? And, in particular, how would your mother influence you to grow up and become a famous painter? This beautiful picture book answers these questions with lovely illustrations in a Matisse style and text that takes the reader on a simple journey through Matisse’s childhood. I enjoyed how the first few pages of illustrations start off gray with the illustrator adding more and more color to each page. I also loved towards the end of the book when grown-up Matisse is observed painting by child Matisse. It’s a great introduction to this painter and to art in general.
Review by Jennifer Porter, Crestview Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
The Iridescence of Birds: A Book about Henri Matisse
Written by Patricia MacLachlan, Illustrated by Hadley Hooper
Roaring Brook Press
40 pages
Release Date: October 14, 2014
ISBN: 9781596439481 (hardcover)
Categories: Elementary – Nonfiction, Elementary – Picture Book
Tags: Henri Matisse, art, painting, mother
