Review Detail

Yannick is a lonely boy visiting the Provence region of France, where he wanders the fields and forests, wonders about love and family, and happens to meet the most famous artist in the world.

"Meeting Cezanne" is a book for all ages. While younger readers may be challenged to connect the dots in regards to the history of the featured artists, they will still enjoy the story as one that is pleasant and interesting. It would be a perfect book to take on vacation or read just after returning home - Yannick feels alternately just right and downright lonely while away from home for a month. Kids would definitely be able to relate to this aspect of the story and Yannick's development.

Adult readers will be able to appreciate the illustrations and compare their style to that of the French artists Cezanne and Picasso. While Yannick's story is definitely that of a young boy, his sense of wonder at the natural beauty of Provence and his angst over his cousin Amandine are definitely relatable for adults.

The illustrations are lovely. The gentle watercolors and bright, lively scenes bring the story to life. Readers get a sense of melancholy from the landscapes, reflecting Yannick's loneliness as he walks there by himself. There is a vibrancy in the scenes at the village inn and with Yannick's family that we know he is feeling as well.

"Meeting Cezanne" is a perfect read for a relaxing vacation and will appeal to both children and adults.