The Artist

by Ed Vere (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

A brave little artist goes on an epic adventure to share her creativity with the world in this picture book from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Ed Vere. It's an inspiring exploration of the creative spirit, perfect for fans of What Do You Do with an Idea? and The Dot.

Creative young children will see themselves and the world around them in a fresh light in this charming story about an artistic soul. Through setbacks and triumphs, our young hero adds color and life to a drab gray city, bringing beauty to those who live there. It's a journey that reminds us that it's okay to color outside the lines: Art is full of heart!

The Artist is a perfect gift for creative kids, graduates, or anyone setting out on a new path, encouraging them to face life's obstacles with a positive outlook.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus

Starred Review
Colorful, boldly imaginative, dynamic, quirky, and wonderfully child-appealing illustrations. . . . This book proclaims what children already know: Creativity and making art spark joy.

ALA/Booklist

Realizing that making mistakes is part of the process could be a game-changer for the many kids who can't conquer their discouragement when their art falls short of their expectations.

Publishers Weekly

While many can be too busy to notice the wonders around them, "Artists try to see it all," proclaims Vere (Max the Brave) in this book-length answer to the question "What is an artist?" The title's budding creator protagonist, a little Godzilla-esque dinosaur covered in radiant rainbow splotches, is determined to "share her pictures with the world." She heads for the big city--pluckily sailing across a daunting ocean rendered in deep blue brushstrokes and tangles of black lines--and, much to the delight of the metropolis's inhabitants, begins covering buildings with murals that make "busy people,/ going places,/ slow down/ and look." A crisis of confidence ensues when she makes what feels like a very public mistake--coloring outside the lines. But with her fans cheering her on ("Mistakes are how you learn!" a child tells her), the artist not only recovers but is newly emboldened: "Wild and free,/ her colors fly." Accompanying earnest narration are empathically inked and colored illustrations whose format nods to an artist's notebook--some images seem to be held in place with brown drafting tape. Even if readers don't need encouragement to unleash their own talents, they should be intrigued by this protagonist's arc toward artistic assurance. Ages 3-7. Agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary. (Apr.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes




Ed Vere
ED VERE is the author and illustrator of numerous picture books, including How to Be a Lion, The Artist, The Elephant and the Sea, and the New York Times bestseller Max the Brave. He lives in London.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780525580874
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Publication date
April 04, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV003000 - Juvenile Fiction | Art & Architecture
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Painting
Creative ability

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