The Database Of All The Reviews

 

A Picture for Marc

Eric A. Kimmel

Illustrated by Matthew Trueman

Fiction

Ages 7 to 9

Random House, 2007, 978-0-375-83253-6

  Marc lives in a small town in Russia called Vitebsk. Most people think that is a “dull” place, but Marc Chagall sees all kinds of interesting things as he walks around the town. To him “every moment was a wonder.”

  One day something very special happens. A boy at school, Victor, shows Marc how to trace pictures. Marc is entranced by this process, and he tries it for himself. He soon discovers that you don’t have to trace someone else’s pictures or photos to create a picture. Instead you can draw something that is all your own. Soon is he drawing all kinds of things. Victor thinks that Marc is a real “artist.” Marc has no idea what an artist is, or what an artist does, so Victor recommends that Marc should go to see an art teacher who lives in the town.

  The teacher, Yehuda Pen, shows Marc what an artist does, and Marc is so captivated by the idea that he decides there and then that he wants to be an artist. Unfortunately, Marc’s parents are appalled by the idea. Why does their son want to make “pitchkas?” Doesn’t he understand that he has to make a living?

  In this wonderfully written book, Eric A. Kimmel brings a special time in Marc Chagall’s life into focus. Readers will get a sense of what Marc’s early life was like. His parents were hardworking and uneducated people who wanted their son to have a job that would provide him with a good living. They did not understand what art was and why it was important to their son.

  With sensitivity, humor, and a charismatic voice, the author celebrates the creative spirit, and he reminds us that it is important to follow our dreams, just as Marc did.

A picture for Marc

 

An Online Children’s Book Review Journal

Through The Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews

Online book reviews for the child in your life featuring both new and popular children's book authors

Logo final

 

Google
 

 

IB-Banner01

Kids book reviews, including book reviews of chapter books, novels, picture books, and non-fiction from famous children’s literature authors. Your review site of books for children.

Banner for bookstore2
Writing Services Box 2

Welcome to Through the Looking Glass Book Reviews. We have moved! Please visit the new site at www.lookingglassreview.com to enjoy the new website.