Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Putting Gertrude Stein (to say nothing of Alice B. Toklas) in a picture book always seems a dubious choice. But the fun of this artsy, artful offering is that it doesn't matter a whit who these ladies are, nor the rest of their friends, from Picasso to poet and painter Max Jacob because this is more about mood and possibilities and Paris! Paris! Paris! than it is about a particular soiree. The unseen narrator takes readers immediately to 27 rue de Fleurus, where Stein and brother Leo await the arrival of friends later in the evening. But what are those friends up to? Shall we visit them and see? So begins a romp around the city with artistic pictures that have the same jazzy feel as Gershwin's An American in Paris. Guillaume Apollinaire watches an acrobat in a park, a rumpled Max Jacob writes a story, and Pablo Picasso paints barefoot in his room. As the sun sets over Notre Dame, the artists and writers make their way to Gertrude's, where conversation and food await. Both author and artist take a sophisticated premise and make it child-friendly through a joyous text that invites readers into the fun, and an impressionistic view of the action, with fluid lines and bright colors (slashed with black lines) that will remind some of Matisse's work. Children will enjoy this peek into the adult world, and a note about the partygoers may lead them to learn more.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Debut author Yolleck introduces Gertrude Stein and her coterie-Picasso, Max Jacobs, Apollinaire (plus assorted girlfriends)-spicing her account with gossip and asides ("Pardonnez-moi, excuse me. I must interrupt for just a moment to tell you that these sketches are of Apollinaire and their friends Pablo and Fernande"). Apollinaire watches an acrobat and gets an idea for a poem, Max Jacob writes comic verse, Gertrude chats with Alice B. Toklas; the evening soiree that the narrative takes as its focus isn't as important as the ordinary ways these extraordinary artists spend their days. The exuberant spreads by Priceman (How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.), scratched and scrabbled in ink and splashed with scarlets, yellows, and blues, showcase the streets of Paris with thoroughly Gallic charm. In his studio, Picasso squeezes black oil paint onto his palette while, across town, Stein passes the hours before her party curled up in an armchair, reading. Intelligently written and illustrated with elan, it's the next step up for Francophile children who have graduated from Babar and Madeline. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-In her debut picture book, Yolleck explores what it might have been like to be in Gertrude Stein's social circle in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The story focuses on the ordinary activities of a few of Stein's contemporaries, leading up to one of the weekly soirees for which 27 rue de Fleurus is remembered. Readers can take a stroll with Guillaume Apollinaire, or visit Max Jacob at his apartment in the building he called Bateau-lavoir. Or they can observe Picasso as he paints his famous Two Nudes, and spend some time with Stein and Alice B. Toklas before their guests arrive. The story concludes by inviting readers to imagine what everyone would have talked about at the gathering. Priceman's brightly colored illustrations exhibit energy, creativity, and general joie de vivre. A brief introduction explains the author's inspiration and a little about the people featured in the story. This whirlwind tour flows easily thanks to clear writing and carefully chosen details. However, this fly-on-the-wall fantasy lacks kid appeal.-Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
An off-stage narrator accompanies Gertrude Stein's talented friends throughout their day, leading to one of Stein's famous Saturday evening soiries. Swirling illustrations in gouache and ink capture the joie de vivre and energy of the Paris environs. Back matter presents biographical information about Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, Max Jacob, Guillaume Apollinaire, and Pablo Picasso. Beautifully done, but with questionable child-appeal. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Yolleck's admiration for a group of early-20th-century artists and friends spurred her to imagine a typical soire hosted by Gertrude Stein. A prowling black cat purrs to readers, "On any day of the week, if you cross Paris's Luxembourg Garden going west, you will come to a cobbled street called rue de Fleurus." Readers are given a glimpse into each guest's day leading up to the evening's party. Guillaume Appollinaire crafts a new poem inspired by a street acrobat, Max Jacob works out a poem based on a dream and Pablo Picasso continues with his all-night creation of a painting of two women ("Two Nudes"). Priceman's sweeping gouache-and-ink paintings brilliantly evoke the atmosphere of a bohemian city and imbue each scene with a sense of magic and movement. The courteous cat's narration, punctuated with the occasional French phrase, suits the gently surreal mood. But the lengthy story itself, featuring as it does historical characters of whom the audience will know little (thumbnail bios at the beginning will provide some context), seems too ephemeral to make much lasting impression. Undeniably well done, this book will have trouble finding the right readers. (Picture book. 7-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
