A Picture for Marc

December 1, 2007
Gr 2-5-To most people, Vitebsk in the late 1800s is one of the dullest towns in Russia, but Marc Chagall's ability to see the enchantment in all things makes even the mundane seem exciting to him. Kimmel paints a fascinating picture of the artist's young years, including details about his struggles in school and within his family. A classmate helps to open the door to his dreams and his parents move from not supporting his desire to helping him explore his deep interest in art. The story moves along at a good pace as much of it is told through dialogue. The author skillfully weaves actual events into the narrative. The black-and-white illustrations contain vivid details and add depth to the story. An author's note and a list of books about Chagall are appended, a helpful inclusion to this work of fiction. It's an engaging beginning chapter book that promotes art and the importance of holding on to one's dreams.Michelle Easley, Sandtown Middle School, Atlanta, GA

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2007
Marc Chagall claims he never saw a drawing until age 16, when a classmate sat tracing a magazine picture. Kimmel uses Chagalls memory as the basis for his own story in which a younger Marc first encounters art. After a brief stint of tracing, he begins drawing original pictures, all the while pondering the difference between copying and drawing, the meaning of art, and eventually, the role of artist to show us what is truly beautiful and important in the world. Once Marc realizes his passion for art, he must convince his skeptical parents to let him study with a local art teacher. Truemans fine black-and-white illustrations capture Chagalls fluid style and appear at regular intervals. Fictional components make the book inappropriate for reports, and the book is more conversation than action, but Kimmel succeeds at making the abstract concept of art accessible to young readers. A list of sources and an authors note are appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)