Dreaming with Rousseau - ISBNLookup.com

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

While I personally have never been fond of Rousseau's work, the presentation in this board book is quite effective. The paintings are presented as a dream sequence and thus all the strangeness and juxtapositions are not as unsettling as looking at the images hanging on a museum wall. The display of art ranges from a single panel to full spreads in complimentary colored backgrounds. There are several components in each of the painted scenes or comments in the text that explain what the artist is showing the viewer. The closing pages list each painting and where it can be seen. It is a beautiful package, and, while aimed at very young children, it really is a book that can be appreciated by all ages. At a time when the arts are so ignored in public education, the introduction of art and artists cannot begin too early. This is part of the "Mini Master's" series. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot