Member Reviews

I always enjoy these books and learnt a lot I didn’t already know about Vincent Van Gogh. The only critique I have is no mention of how he passed as this is often present in the other books. I appreciate the way he died is hard to explain to children but feel that they may ask or google and find more details than maybe a simple line that could have been included.

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This story of Vincent van Gogh seemed shorter than the stories of others that I have read in this series. Maybe there is only so much you can tell young children about the great artist. It does mention his problems with mental illness at times, but does not say he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It focuses on his love for painting, as well as his close relationship with his brother Theo. Moreover, it stresses the importance of finding what you love to do most of all in life, and sticking with that passion, even if you are not rewarded for it during your lifetime. In addition, the illustrations in it are very colorful.

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I so wish this was longer!!
I adore Van Gogh and the simplicity, respect and tenderness with which this book was written is heartwarming.
Perfect illustrations too!

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Vincent Van Gogh, as part of the series Little People, BIG DREAMS, tells the story of the famous painter's life starting as a little boy. Without a doubt, this a beautifully illustrated children's book. The details and the vibrancy in the pages; I especially loved how the illustrator, Alette Straathof incorporated Van Gogh's famous works into some of the background scenes.

As a children's educator, I think this is a really lovely way to introduce famous figures and their history and I will definitely be purchasing this series.

However, I did find myself slightly stuck on the imagery relating to Van Gogh's colour palette, comparing it to being "like dusty potatoes". It's not a reference I've heard before and personally, I thought it was a peculiar choice of words.

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Vincent loved the outdoors, his family and his brother. But he felt awful when he was sent away to school and never quite found his way to happiness after that. But he did learn to paint and that helped for a long time. He did not become world famous until after he died.
The illustrations by Alette Straathof are simple, colorful, and expressive.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @Frances_Lincoln #LittlePeopleBIG DREAMS @sanchezvegara #Gymnastics @TheQuartoGroup #MentalHealth #FamousArtists

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I found this to be cute and educational. It provides a realistic overview of some of van Gogh's struggles in an age appropriate way. It shows that sometimes roundabout paths are needed to find what you truly love. It also shows that having one person believe in you can change your life.

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"Even when we feel a bit lost- we can find joy by doing the things we love most."

I love this series and I love Vincent Van Gogh, so for me this was a perfect combination. Even from a children's book, I learned something . I didn't know about the relationship Vincent had with his brother.

I enjoyed that Vincent's mental health wasn't shied upon and was told in a way that children could understand.

I loved the use of colour palette that you would associate with Van Gogh work.

It didn't show as much detail about Van Gogh's life but that means it allows children to ask questions and to learn/research more about the life of Vincent Van Gogh.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book for an honest review.

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I am glad that I got to read this book. I was curious to know about the early life of this master and the book gave a glimpse into it. I enjoyed the book especially the drawings and illustrations, which are rich, stunning and beautiful. Anyone, especially the young ones would get enough motivation to pursue their dreams. Overall, a very good read.

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I love these books, even as an adult, I really enjoyed it. It was really educational and I loved learning about his story.

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The pictures in this book are gorgeous to start! I really enjoyed learning more about such an iconic artist in such an accessible way. This book would serve as a great addition to my classroom library. The e-book version I accessed is also very helpful for a full-class read of the story, as I could have it up on my Smartboard while reading/discussing. These Little People, Big Dreams books are such a treat, both for my students and as an educator myself.

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This is a lovely Children's book depicting the life of one of the greatest artists. It is beautifully illustrated and tells Vincent van Gogh's complex biography in a child-friendly manner. I would definitely buy this book to give as a present.

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A gorgeous book perfect for children and adults alike.
Beautiful, colourful illustrations fill the pages, and the story is easy to follow. It gives you an insight into Van Gogh's life and how he became an artist.

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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was over the moon when I saw that this book was available to read.

I know quite a lot about Vincent van Gogh and I think it is such a great idea to get him to join this series.

It is very sad what happens to him in life so I love the fact that this book keeps him in our memories.

The illustrations, as always are fantastic!!

Thanks a lot for the opportunity!

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A great introduction to Vincent van Gogh. The book did not omit the struggles van Gogh experienced with his mental health, but also kept it simple enough for a child. Some great conversations could come from this book. Though I knew who van Gogh was about some of the struggles he had, I did not know about the relationship he had with his brother and was pleasantly surprised to learn something new from a children's book. The illustrations were fantastic.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

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This is a perfect introduction for children who want to get to know influential artists like Van Gogh. The Illustrations were simple but colorful and engaging for young readers. I was impressed with how much of Van Gogh’s biography was told. For example, Van Gogh’s mental health was mentioned and was put into terms that young readers could understand.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group and Francis Lincoln for sending me this ebook for review consideration.

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This is a well-written, beautifully illustrated book about Vincent van Gogh.. His troubled life was portrayed in a non-threatening way. His painting style was also described in easy to understand terms. Some of the pictures included van Gogh’s artwork. I think this would be a great addition to a preschool library or also useful in elementary level art class. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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When I was in 3rd grade, my teacher played "Vincent" by Don McLean and then showed us photo's of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and my life [and my love affair with art and with his and other amazing artists work that I would learn about later that year in that same class] was forever changed. I tend to want to read all the books about Vincent that I can get my hands on, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to request it.

This is a lovely little book that introduces the reader to Vincent and he beloved brother Theo [who did so much to try and help his older brother] and their time in France, where Vincent started his painting career. It has very moving text and will help littles begin to understand just who the painter was.

Filled with gorgeous, fantastic illustrations [many "set" within renditions of Vincent's paintings, which is really cool] that make you feel as if you are in the countryside of France with them, this is the perfect way to introduce littles to both the art world and one one of the greatest artists that ever lived.

Very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Alette Straathof - Ilustrator, and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Vincent van Gogh by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is an illustrative book about the life story of the artist whose work became famous posthumously. Despite targeting young readers, the author doesn’t mince words or sugarcoat his story. Whatever parts of his life are included, the author confidently summarises it all. While this can be debated, the simplicity and selection of illustrations prevent the reader from dwelling on it. If you know about the artist and remember the agony felt upon learning his story, this little book does a wonderful job of soothing that pain, not just through words but through illustrations.

Alette Strathof's illustrations are visually compelling and thought-provoking for those familiar with the artist. Without further indulgence, it's wonderful to see illustrations like the meadow of sunflowers and the starry nights from the artist’s window as early inspirations. Details about his journey after leaving Paris and the letters he wrote to Theo would be an interesting addition to this book. Art succeeds only when it inspires another art form, and this book vouches for that quote. Overall, it’s a good read! Looking forward to reading more from the 'Little People, BIG DREAMS' series.

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This was a really cute book! I would buy it for myself or others. I think the intended target is quite young children however van goghs story is more for early readers I think. I feel like if the story has specific focused on perusing art. Or expressing yourself like Van Gogh. Or being friends with your siblings it may be better for young readers instead of having the FULL story. But over all it was a good book I would still buy even adults could enjoy it. The art work was BEAUTIFUL very well done representing the historical paintings.

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I am a huge Van Gogh fan. I have loved his art since I was in high school. I have young children now and wanted to see how this book represented Van Gogh’s mental illness and it did a good job of that. There could have been a little more about the artist’s life, but considering it is a children’s book, it was a good length. The illustrations were great and in the Van Gogh style and colors. Well done children’s book.

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