Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Fabrics of Freedom

Boxer focuses on the way that the early experiences of artist Christo (1935-2020) under authoritarian regimes shaped his large public works. While partner Jeanne-Claude (1935-2009) makes some appearances, the text focuses primarily on Christo. Beginning with his youth in Nazi-occupied and then Communist-controlled Bulgaria, urgent-sounding lines describe a budding artist who chafed under restrictions before finally escaping to Paris and beginning his reputation-defining work: wrapping structures including buildings, coastlines, monuments, and even islands in fabric. The narrative reaches its culmination with the creation of New York City's The Gates, 26 years in the making per an author's note. Chapman's fluid, rainbow-hued, predominantly watercolor and gouache illustrations burst with movement--an ideal accompaniment befitting the artists' aesthetic. Author and artist notes, endnotes, and sources conclude. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 3--This is the story of two 20th-century artists who created artwork on a truly massive scale; they used huge pieces of fabric to wrap buildings to create colorful, beautiful, gigantic art. Their story of life, love, and art is illustrated by Chapman, who captures the beauty, movement, and scale of the partners' creations in sweeping scenes. Boxer's storytelling weaves neatly into the artwork, mirroring, perhaps, the democratic and equitable relationship between the two artists and romantic partners. The story starts with Christo's childhood during World War II and explores how those early years of hardship and trauma are part of what made Christo the artist he became, following his path across the globe, to meeting Jeanne-Claude, to their collaborative process. Over the course of the book, readers learn of the obstacles, rejections, and successes of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, in accessible prose and dynamic artwork. Back matter includes an author's note and an artist's note, as well as sources for further research. VERDICT The scale of the creations alone make for interesting study; young readers will be enthralled by the thinking and planning that went along with these massive undertakings.--Jessica Schriver