Monet Chases the Light - by Jenny Gahan (Hardcover)

About the Book

Monet, a French artist, is fascinated by light. He paints at all times of the day, in all seasons, and in all kinds of weather. He chases the light as it frolics through the fields, dances in the treetops, and skips across the water. Eventually the light comes to rest in Monets beautiful waterlily pond.

Book Synopsis

Monet Chases the Light is a creative non-fiction picture book for children aged 4-6 years. Claude Monet, a French artist, produced paintings that glowed with light and colour.

Monet was fascinated by light and painted at all times of the day, in all seasons, and in all kinds of weather in his endeavour to capture the light in his work. This book introduces children to Monets fascination with light in a playful manner. He chases the light as it frolics through the corn fields, dances in the treetops, and skips across the shimmering water. Monet paints quickly, as the light never stays still for long. When the light is soft and silky, he uses gentle flowing strokes. When the light is harsh and bright, he uses rough, choppy strokes. Monet sometimes paints the same thing over and over, from dawn until dusk, watching the colours and light change as the sun drifts across the sky.

At his home in Giverny Monet creates a splendid waterlily pond. He paints magical pictures of his pond as the light prances through the waterlilies. Then, as an old man, Monet grows tired of chasing the light. He sits quietly beside his pond. Monet has spent his life chasing the light, but now at last the light finds him.

Review Quotes

"Light and
art play on every page as Monet's works are portrayed in each
scene....Especially the younger end of the intended age group will enjoy this
one, and it works well as a read-a-loud. The light, rhythmic tone leads the
reader through the different settings, which even include Monet himself
painting while sitting on a boat. The entire thing rounds off to a comforting
and peaceful end to form a calming read. This would work nicely as an
introduction to an art theme or when learning more about Monet." - Bookworm

for Kids