CHILDREN'S
BOOKS
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Ages: 9-12
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Vincent Van Gogh
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Frida Kalho
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The Scream
by Edvard Munch
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BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Merrimon Book Reviews
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Noonie's Masterpiece
by Lisa Railsback
Illustrated by Sarajo Frieden
Noonie is an undiscovered famous artist in the
making. Since most famous artists are not discovered until after
their death, ten year old Noonie writes her story now for those who
will come afterwards. Noonie lives with her aunt and family while
her father, an archeologist, travels the world. Noonie's mother
has died. Noonie, feeling alone and misunderstood, chronicles her
blue period, her purple period, her grief, and her family's reaction to
her art and her odd behavior. Despite her grief and antics,
Noonie is a girl with imagination and the courage to be
different. Some of her cries for help are a bit obvious and often
over the top, particularly as seen through adult eyes, and yet to the
reader looking on, these scenes provide a sense of humor and insight
into the character. Noonie is joyful, flamboyant and offbeat even
at the same time that she misses her parents. The illustrations are
colorful and lively --- a true celebration of art and everyday life as
seen through an artist's eye. Quite simply, the illustrations
express and reflect the vibrant, dramatic character within Noonie, a
side of her not necessarily seen by those around her. Noonie
carries an overdue library book "Masterpieces" around with her that
describes the great artists, their works and their lives. These
artists are her friends. Although she has an understanding of art
beyond her age, her behavior and social relations do not match her
artistic maturity. Through her art, she discovers a changed
relationship with her family. Through her art and her letters,
her family grow to understand her more.
NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE is a special book for a certain reader, a reader
that might not fit into the age specific stereotype, but an important
audience, nevertheless. Depending on the individual reader, this
book might resonate best with younger or older ages. My childhood
best friend (an artist) would have loved reading this book at the
target age but other advanced readers might find it too young. Some
precocious children will easily relate to Noonie's spirit
but find the resolution a tad too quickly cozy or normalizing.
The father is not a perfect father and the family does not meet the
perfect ideal standard. For those children whose families do not
follow the perfect pretty picture (and few do as one discovers later in
the book), NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE resonates without dragging a reader
down. For some children, NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE might be a
catalyst, encouraging them to speak to their families about their
feelings.
NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE is most definitely one of those special children's
books that will develop an adult following. At heart, NOONIE'S
MASTERPIECE is a book about having the courage to be an artist, to
feel, and to express one's feeling. NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE would
make a great gift for parents and grandparents to give to their adult
artist children, or vice-versa. NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE
would make a great gift for artist and author friends. If you
have a friend who has recently experienced manuscript rejection or
artistic rejection, NOONIE'S MASTERPIECE would be a wonderful cheering
gift to give. If you, yourself, are an artist or author, NOONIE'S
MANUSCRIPT is a must for your library or studio. NOONIE'S
MASTERPIECE is a celebration of art, the human spirit and the gift of
reaching outwards to others. In one sense, the person is the
masterpiece as well as the art.
Publisher: Chronicle
Books (February 24, 2010)
Website
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Merrimon Book Reviews
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