In Mary's Garden

PreS-Gr 2—Children are introduced to a lesser-known contemporary Midwestern American artist in this picture-book biography of Mary Nohl (1914-2001). A spare narrative allows the pictures to describe how, from childhood, Nohl's imagination soared as she explored the many interests that led her to combine found objects with cement to create fantastical creatures, eventually installed in the garden surrounding the Lake Michigan home she built with her father. World travels provided further inspiration for her non-traditional, sometimes primitive, art, ably represented here mostly in spreads that convey the scope and variety of Nohl's work. The illustrations combine watercolor with digital painting, collage, and vintage papers, resulting in a soft palette and an uncomplicated, accessible drawing style. Children will delight in the whimsy of the art pieces and their placement in the garden as well as the participation of Mary's dogs, Sassafras and Basil, in the discovery process. An author's note, accompanied by two photographs, gives more detail about Nohl's life and the challenge of preserving her home and garden for public enjoyment.—Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

In a quiet homage, the Kuglers introduce artist Mary Nohl, who transformed her lakeside home into a bestiary of sculptures created from concrete and found objects: "Mary was happiest when her hands were busy making, building, creating things." Chalky mixed-media collages are punctuated by items of significance--a blue feather, a red wheelbarrow, and a piece of driftwood that Nohl sees as a "marvelous creature." With Nohl's triangular nose, crooked mouth, and beady eyes, she almost resembles one of her creations. An ornamental gate encloses her garden, as if to emphasize Nohl's total immersion within a private, fantastical world. Additional biographical information elaborates on the artist's life and work. Ages 6-9. (Mar.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"This quiet, engaging offering celebrates the artist's vision and her idiosyncratic work."
—Booklist

"The illustrations combine watercolor with digital painting, collage, and vintage papers, resulting in a soft palette and an uncomplicated, accessible drawing style. Children will delight in the whimsy of the art pieces and their placement in the garden as well as the participation of Mary's dogs, Sassafras and Basil, in the discovery process."
—School Library Journal

"The Küglers use watercolor, digital painting, collage and vintage papers to portray Mary's world and sculptures...A friendly chronicle of an offbeat artist."
—Kirkus

"Chalky mixed-media collages are punctuated by items of significance...a quiet homage."
—Publishers Weekly

"The authors embellish their picture-book biography of artist Mary Nohl (1914-2001) with touches of whimsy...The illustrations—digital collages of scratchy, affectionate paintings on an assortment of papers—mirror this sense of wonder."
—Horn Book Magazine

"An appealing and kid-friendly introduction to Nohl's art."
—Bulletin