- Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse
French artist Henri Matisse was not a prodigy. Growing up in his gray French town, he showed no particular talent ("He did not excel at school. . . . He did not, in fact, excel at much of anything—except, perhaps dreaming") and he ended up as an unhappy law clerk in Paris. When he took up art to entertain himself while he was hospitalized, he found his calling, and he turned into a demon for hard work at his newfound passion. He threw himself into a world of color, gradually gaining success and recognition, and persevering with colorful cut paper when he could no longer stand at an easel. This is a straightforward and simple account of a famous life, and its focus on the unprepossessing start of Matisse's career adds an intriguing (and reassuring) dimension. The real impact, however, comes from the art: Berry's mixed-media illustrations are largely monochromatic pencil in earlier scenes of Matisse's life, with only his dream visions sneaking in color and light; therefore the shift to the joyous and vivid intensity of the full-color scenes (echoing Matisse's own style and incorporating elements from his work) is as transformative as the discovery of his vocation was for him. While this doesn't have the flair of Jonah Winter's Just Behave, Pablo Picasso (BCCB 5/11), it's a solid picture-book introduction to a kid-appealing artist, and it would make a plausible introduction to a museum visit or cut-paper crafting. A brief note gives more information about Matisse, lists two more titles about him for young people, and mentions several museums that house his work. [End Page 255]