Artists' Helpers Enjoy the Evenings - Hardcover

Goffstein, M. B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 006022181X ISBN 13: 9780060221812

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1987

Synopsis

As dusk falls over the streets of Paris, the artists' helpers, the crayons Blanc, Noir, Gris, Bistre, and Sanguine, stop work and set out to enjoy their evening

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2 Up Drawings executed in colored crayon illustrate this story of close friends Blanc, Noir, Gris, Bistre, and Sanguine who are crayonsartists' helpersby day and frequent a cafe during the evening. The book is divided into four very short chapters. It is difficult to determine the targeted audience for the book; students of art or French are possibilities, but it is impossible to believe that readers would choose to look at this a second time. The crayons do not come alive as characters, their adventures as described are boring and matter-of-fact, and even the masquerade ball at the close of the story in which the crayons come dressed as each other fails to engage viewers. Goffstein's usual poetic prose is not in evidence here. This is only for her most dedicated fans. Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, Conn.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Like School of Names and Our Snowman, Goffstein's new offering is rendered in soft pastels and characterized by spare lines and minimal text. It comprises a series of four vignettes about five pieces of chalk: "Blanc, Noir, Gris, Bistre, and Sanguine are artists' helpers by trade, and good friends personally." They discuss art at a Paris cafe, visit each other's families and appear at a masquerade dressed "as each other." The book is whimsical and original, even for those unaccustomed to the conventions of artists who frequent Paris cafes. Most successful are the first scenes in which the chalk characters swear fidelity to each other. They link arms so Blanc does not disappear "through snow or fog" on a white page, and they hold on to Gris at dusk on a gray page. A Charlotte Zolotow Book. All ages.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 006022181X
• ISBN 13: 9780060221812
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32