The Sunflowers: Vincent van Gogh's Search for Beauty

(Hardback)

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Description

A nonfiction picture book that explores Vincent van Gogh's journey of self discovery and community from award-winning author-illustrator Zahra Marwan. Vincent van Gogh paints what others consider inelegant. But painting those sunflowers bring happiness to his troubled heart. And it isn't until he begins traveling that his world opens up to new friends and new ideas that help his heart and art thrive more than he could have ever imagined. Award-winning author-illustrator Zahra Marwan has depicted a breathtaking passage of Vincent van Gogh's life in The Sunflowers, filled with dreamy watercolor artwork. And while it is based on van Gogh's real life, it also expresses how we should do what we love, despite the words of harsh critics. It's a story about finding friendship, broadening your horizons, and creating a safe and welcoming community.

Reviews

"This inspiring, age-appropriate biography of Van Gogh focuses on how the artist persisted in painting sunflowers at a time when most people regarded them as garish and rustic. Renditions of some of Van Gogh's paintings, including The Bedroom in Arles and Starry Night, subtly introduce young readers to his work. This also carries a strong message about the importance of friendship and persistence."--Booklist, starred review

"Readers familiar with van Gogh's work will enjoy finding references to some of his other famous subjects, such as wheat fields, the yellow house, and a starry sky. Includes an author's note. VERDICT A lovely addition to more traditional biographies of van Gogh, with particular appeal to younger readers. This will inspire discussion, and perhaps an art lesson or two." --School Library Journal, starred review

Author Bio

Zahra Marwan grew up in two deserts: one close to the sea in Kuwait, the other close to the mountains in New Mexico. She is a fine artist who exhibits extensively and has won international awards and fellowships, including a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book, NPR Best Books of 2022, an Ezra Jack Keats Honor for Illustration, a Dilys Evans Founders Award from the Society of Illustrators, and more. She studied the visual arts in France and currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she keeps a small studio at the Harwood Art Center.