The Little Dancer Book Review

The Little Dancer: A Children's Book Inspired by Edgar Degas 
Written by Géraldine Elschner
Illustrated by Olivier Desvaux
Translated from the French by Paul Kelly
Published September 22, 2020 by Prestel

Mom's Review
This fan of French Impressionism could not pass an opportunity to share Degas's artwork with her son. When a Prestel review copy became available, I was delighted to read The Little Dancer with T and then revisit Degas: Painter of Ballerinas.

The Little Dancer is the fictional story of a ballerina, Jeanne, who models for Edgar Degas.  

The Little Dancer can be interpreted as a feminist story, showcasing the strength and fortitude of a young woman who could easily be overshadowed by the man sculpting her image. By including details from the lives of her mother and from Degas's real-life model, Elschner constructs a character whose authenticity is palpable. From the fictional Jeanne, readers perceive the gritty, daily life of turn-of-the-century women. This backstory invites readers to look beyond the style or artist and see the humanity of the subject. Desvaux illustrates Jeanne's life and Degas's work in the style of Degas, enveloping the reader in the Impressionist world.

Back matter includes information about Degas, about the real model (Marie van Goethem), and about how dancers like her provided cheap child labor.

Son's Review
It inspires me to see the statue. 

I liked the book. I liked the story. My favorite character was the guy who copied Jeanne's pose.

Do you have any questions?
Yes. I have a few. Why is the story true but not true?
What do you want people to know?
That it's a good book.

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