Van Dog
by Mikolaj Pa (Author) Gosia Herba (Illustrator)
A hybrid comic and seek-and-find book that contemplates art and creativity.
Van Dog rides to the countryside to paint a landscape one day. As he mounts his easel, mixes his paints, and contemplates the scenery, the landscape slowly unfolds in weird and wonderful ways: a snail nibbles on a mushroom, ants gather to work, and a giant lizard monster sets off on a journey to Tokyo. As the landscape becomes busier and busier, Van Dog struggles to finish his painting--but is he overwhelmed by his subject, or is the richness of the countryside precisely what inspires him?
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3--In this visual feast of a book, a cavalcade of color and creatures cross the pages as Van Dog goes out to create a masterpiece. He goes into the countryside to paint--but the story isn't traditionally written. Words come from sounds, either from the array of bugs and small woodland animals, or the appearance of strange creatures talking. The pleasure comes from seeing the pages become increasingly absurd. The scene fills up with knights, aliens, and even a surprise appearance from Godzilla. It's not linear. It begs readers to linger, discovering hidden corners in the illustrations. Throughout it all, Van Dog calmly paints, until the viewers are treated to his unveiled masterpiece at the end of the book. VERDICT An additional purchase, but an artsy delight, well suited for close observation.--Cat McCarrey
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
-- Kirkus
JUV002070 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dogs
JUV003000 - Juvenile Fiction | Art & Architecture
Artists
Picture books for children
Graphic novels
Landscape painting
