This book, ostensibly for children, is absolutely worthwhile for adults as well. It does several things at once while maintaining a coherent goal. It tells Van Gogh's biography, as it looks at how and why his paintings look like they do. The book is beautifully illustrated with each painting carefully chosen to be both example and explanation. Each picture is important for the understanding of his life and work. Some of the less savory facts about his life is not brought up as this work is geared for younger kids, but it does not completely leave his depression unmentioned. In the end it provides a succinct, but engaging introduction and overview of an amazing artist's work and why his work is so fascinating. ( )

This book is a part of the wonderful teaching series targeted for ages 10 and above, done in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. After a short introduction, the narration of the paintings begin in 1885, when Van Gogh completed his first large canvas, The Potato Eaters. By focusing on only 12 major works, we learned about Van Gogh’s life at the time each painting was done and also the artistry behind each painting. I truly enjoyed the chronicle aspects combined with Van Gogh’s evolving skills and who his companions were. The relevant aspects of his life, his strong, close knit relationship with his brother Theo (who sadly died 6 months following Vincent) and his art are very well articulated. I always find myself learning a bit more about Van Gogh with each book I read; this was no different.

The 12 paintings are:
The Potato Eaters
Self-Portrait with Gray Felt Hat
Portrait of Pere Tanguy
Sunflowers
The Café Terrace at Night
Harvest at La Crau
The Bedroom
L’Arlesienne
Cypresses – gained new perspective on this piece!
The Starry Night – my favorite of Van Gogh’s work
First Steps, after Millet
Crows over a Wheatfield

Note that this book doesn’t hide the sad facts of Van Gogh’s life, including his decision to end his life. Be aware if you are sharing this book with a younger reader. ( )