Age Range: 6 - 9 years
Lexile Measure: 730L (What's this?)
Series: Anholt's Artists Books For Children
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (October 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764138529
ISBN-13: 978-0764138522
Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 9.2 x 11.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #25,171 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #14 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Art #26 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance #103 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Art
This book serves more than one purpose. It is a short, but entertaining read for a child or for a parent to read to their children. The story is about Marie, a young girl in France who is loved by her poor, but hard-working parents. They work long hours to save money to send her to ballet school - as it is her dream to become the world's most famous ballerina.When her father becomes ill and can no longer afford to pay for her classes, the famous artist Edgar Degas offers to pay her for modeling for him. He is mean, short-tempered and impatient with Marie, making her hold poses for hours until her neck aches.One night, however, she finds out just a little of what is under the surface of Degas' rough exterior and feels sorry for him, giving him her long hair ribbon.Even her modeling pay cannot sustain the cost of her classes, so she must give up her dream. Later, she and her parents receive an invitation to a gallery showing of Degas' work - the center piece is the only sculpture of his ever displayed during his lifetime - it is of Marie - and unlike other statues, hers is wearing a tutu and the beautiful hair ribbon she gave him.The story is not only entertaining, but it tells children that while some people may act mean or rude, it may be because they are hurting on the inside - and extending friendship to someone who behaves in such a manner can truly make a difference in their life and in yours.The story is peppered with illustrations of Marie and her family, as well as photos of Degas' paintings and of course, his famous sculpture. Information about the names of the paintings and the museums where they are displayed is also cited at the end of the book.This doesn't have to be just a book for girls - even young boys will see a universal truth - we can always have dreams and even though they may not come true the way we envisioned them, we never know what wonderful surprises are around the corner.
This is a wonderful book that helps children (and adults) see the reality that lies behind art. My daughter was first introduced to this book at the age of 8. Now she notices the "Little Dancer" every time she sees it. Knowing the background of both Degas and his young dancer has made the art itself more interesting.
This book teaches not only about the famous French impressionist Degas, but also would be enjoyed by any child who loves dance. It documents the true story of Degas' dancer paintings as well as one little girl's love for ballet. It's equally inspirational and educational. Perfect for the classroom or the home!
This is not only a book for children, but also a moving tale illustrating the life of Degas. It is enough to bring tears to the eyes of any lover of Degas art.
My 9 year old daughter read this book just before we went to Paris and literally dragged me to the Musee d'Orsay to see all works by Edgar Degas. She then read everything else by Anholt and is now chafing at the bit to see works by Picasso. Anholt's books are wonderfully illustrated, show the works of the artists, and know how to appeal to a child's imagination. We are fans.
Degas and the Little Dancer is a true story about Marie, a young ballerina, who posed for Degas to pay for her sick father's doctor. She always dreamed of becoming world famous and thanks to Degas she did. The story has beautiful illustrations. This is a great way to introduce children to art. However, the story was a bit lengthy for my three-year- old. I would recommend it for children who have longer attention spans than a toddler.
Laurence Anholt created a wonderful opportunity for youngsters, and adults, to learn about art history. Never before have I ever experienced Degas in this manner. I have given this book to many 5-year olds interested in ballet as well as art. It's become a treasured book for both the child and the parents.
This is the story of Marie van Goethen, a young dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet School who posed for Edgar Degas (1824-1917). He created the sculpture, "The Little Dancer" based on Marie's likeness. This was the only Degas sculpture to be exhibited during his lifetime. This charming figure was wearing a tutu and a wig.The illustrations in this children's book are beautiful and even some of Degas' own paintings are included. I wish that more of Degas' life had been included in this story. I also feel that this book would have been perfect if more of his paintings were displayed with descriptions of each work of art.This book is a good introduction to Degas and should be targeted towards lower elementary students.
Degas and the Little Dancer (Anholt's Artists Books For Children) Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World: Famous Artists and the Children Who Knew Them (Anholt's Artists) Degas and the Little Dancer Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen: The Earlier Version That Helped Spark the Birth of Modern Art Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail (Anholt's Artists Books For Children) van Gogh and the Sunflowers (Anholt's Artists Books for Children) Leonardo and the Flying Boy (Anholt's Artists Books For Children) The Magical Garden of Claude Monet (Anholt's Artists Books for Children) Matisse the King of Color (Anholt's Artists Books for Children) Cezanne and the Apple Boy (Anholt's Artists) The Magical Garden of Claude Monet (Anholt's Artists) Edgar Degas (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists (Paperback)) Lap Dance: The Ultimate Guide to Being the Best Exotic Dancer (The Ultimate Exotic Dancer Package Book 4) Books for Kids : One Little Dragon (Bedtime Stories for Kids, Baby Books, Kids Books, Children's Books, Preschool Books, Toddler Books, Ages 3-5, Kids Picture Book) Books for Kids: Lily the Little Mermaid (Mermaid Books for Kids, Children's Books, Kids Books, Bedtime Stories For Kids) (The Mermaid Stories: Kids Fantasy Books Book 2) Children's books: I LOVE TO BRUSH MY TEETH (Jimmy and a Magical Toothbrush -children book, bedtime story, beginner readers, kids books): (Bedtime stories ... stories children's books collection Book 2) Children's Book: The Bird Who Loved To MOO! [Children's books about animals & picture books for kids]: Children's Bird Books Children's Writers & Artists' Yearbook (Writers' and Artists') The Little Books of Champagne, Chocolate, and Roses: The Little Book of Champagne/The Little Book of Chocolate/The Little Book of Roses Invitation to Ballet: A Celebration of Dance and Degas