Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall - Hardcover

Michelle Markel is a former freelance journalist. She's written two previous books for children, and lives with her husband and two daughters in Los Angeles, California.

Emily Lisker is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. She has illustrated several books for children, including Sol a Sol. Ms. Lisker lives in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Grade 1-4–Opening with the artist's dramatic birth during a fire in a small Russian village, Markel describes Chagall's childhood and early career. The village, his extended family, and deep Jewish roots are all emphasized, elements that are central to understanding his art. The author explains how Chagall saw the world, and himself, in a different way. He painted the way he felt, not how things actually were, which makes his work unique. The language is often poetic: The town was like a richness that filled him and later: silver stars trembled on a velvet spring sky. Markel makes Chagall and his work accessible to children. Indeed, children are closer to the world of dreams and imagination than most adults, and many will find his work very appealing. The vivid illustrations are inspired by Chagall, but Lisker doesn't attempt to copy his style directly. Only one actual reproduction is included at the end, along with a brief author's note, a traditional biography, and a short glossary of Jewish terms used in the text. This is not a biography for reports, but rather an excellent portrait of an artist that will open and expand children's minds.–Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
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