Monet Paints a Day

Danneberg dramatizes a day in Claude Monet’s life, based on an actual event in 1885. In Étretat, France, children assist Monet in carrying his paintings down to the shore. There, the bearded artist in blue begins to paint furiously. Danneberg’s dynamic language, first-person free verse in Monet’s voice, mimics the movement in Heimerl’s impressionistic artwork: “Quickly I... ruffle my paintbrush against the canvas as jade waters ruffle against the shore’s edge.” Asides provide brief descriptions of Monet’s art and personality: “Monet’s frustration sometimes led to temper tantrums.” This lovely tribute to the artist takes a surprising turn that emphasizes the challenge of capturing ephemeral moments in nature. Ages 6–9. (July)