LITTLE SAP AND MONSIEUR RODIN (HISTORICAL FICTION)

HISTORICAL FICTION
LITTLE SAP AND MONSIEUR RODIN
by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Felicia Hoshino (Lee & Low)

Rather than revolving around the Parisian artist Auguste Rodin, the author cleverly focuses the story on the Cambodian country girl who joins the King’s dance troupe in order to give her family a better status in their village. Her training, homesickness, artistic development and ultimate meeting with the artist who would immortalize her in his sketches make for a very compelling framework and well-developed character. A delightful pick for young ballet students who might be interested in this unique form of dance in which girls mimic the forms of the ancient Khmer Asparas, or “heavenly dancers.” Don’t let the spare text or illustrations fool you; this is a very accomplished coming of age story. (7 and up)

Also of interest:
For more great artist-meets-kid stories, check out
BEETHOVEN LIVES UPSTAIRS by Barbara Nichol, illustrated by Scott Cameron (Scholastic) (8 and up)
KITTY AND MR. KIPLING: NEIGHBORS IN VERMONT by Lenore and Eric Blegvad (McElderry) (8 and up)
UNCLE ANDY: A FAABBBULOUS VISIT WITH ANDY WARHOL by James Warhola (Putnam) (6 and up)

And take a closer look:
MASTERPIECES UP CLOSE by Claire D'Harcourt (Chronicle) Over twenty paintings are reproduced in oversized format, with an invitation to scavenger-hunt for details; kind of an epicurean Where's Waldo that will inspire close inspection of great works of art.

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