Degas, Painter of Ballerinas by Susan Goldman Rubin, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, was the perfect read to prepare for our visit to the St. Louis Art Museum. While we didn’t get to see any of his famous ballerina paintings, we were excited to view a posthumous bronze cast of his wax sculpture, The Little Dancer!
We love exploring children’s picture books about renowned artists. Many of these books feature illustrators’ reimaginings of famous works, which can be wonderful, but this one stood out by showcasing Degas’s actual artwork. Paired with a captivating, story-like biography, it offered a richer way to introduce an artist’s work to children. I especially appreciated how the book highlighted the progression of Degas’s style, weaving in details about his failing eyesight and shifting artistic interests over time.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in art or ballet. It also makes a fantastic companion to an art curriculum and would pair beautifully with a gift of art supplies for creative kids!
The link to purchase the book is an Amazon Affiliate link, which means I may receive a small compensation for promoting the book, while the price is the same for you! Win, win!
Ages: 8-12
Themes: Art, Degas, Ballet
