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Art

Small Great Gestures

by Francisco Llorca

#Smallgreatgestures #NetGalley

This book introduces children to a number of artists and their accomplishments. A few of the sections in this title are Paint a Self-Portrait, Frida Kahlo; Observe Nature, Giotto, and Protest, Guerilla Girls. The illustrations that accompany the text show the artist and the kind of work that they did. The entries are short and factual. Hopefully, young readers will read this title and then go on to learn more about their favorite artists.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

My First Artists

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara; Lisbeth Kaiser

#Artists #NetGalley Pub Date 12 Oct 2021

This adorable book encourages children to imagine that they could be an artist like Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, Frida Kahlo Vivienne Westwood and/or many others. For each there is a brief comment about the kind of work that they were known for. illustrations perfectly pay homage to each artist mentioned.

This book would make a good addition to a child’s library shelves. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes (Hogan)

This is author Ruth Hogan’s second novel. I was quite moved by it and plan to read her debut, The Keeper of Lost Things. She has a talent for describing characters who are fully human, quirky and both struggling and trying their best.

The novel is about two women and those they know, love and/or have lost. Masha is a mother whose child disappeared a number of years ago and, although not found, was presumed to be dead. Masha has grieved for him and has struggled to progress in her life. The reader observes as she moves forward bit by bit, fortified by new and old relationships. Part of Masha’s story takes place at the lido, a favorite locale for me after reading Libby Page’s novel. As in that novel, swimming yields some peace.

Then there is Alice. She is a mother who is overprotective and very attached to her son. Her backstory is told with compassion and the reader comes to understand her struggles and decisions.

Sally, herself, is a elderly woman whose past history becomes known late in the novel. She is eccentric and a source of some of Masha’s healing. She reminds Masha of the importance of continuing to dance, both literally and metaphorically. Other characters include Kitty who has overcome her own tragedy.

While characters in this book have experienced loss, the story is not depressing. Ruth Hogan writes empathically and I was sorry when the novel ended. There is a twist that you might see coming but, even if you know, you can enjoy reading about it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. Ruth Hogan is an author to watch!