I turns out French artist Henri Matisse is a favourite subject for picture book biographies. In my research I came across ten titles and was able to access six of them. Here are the first three.
Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Jesse Hartland (Grosset & Dunlap, 2002)
Like the Mary Cassatt biography in the same series that I reviewed a few years ago, this picture book is presented as a report by a young student. She gives info about Henri Matisse as well as opinions on some of his pictures. It’s a playful book that includes many reproductions and gives a clear sense of how Matisse’s art changed over his long life. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Matisse: The King of Color by Laurence Anholt (Barron’s, 2007)
This picture book focuses on the end of Matisse’s life and his friendship with Monique, the night nurse who cared for him after a major surgery. After she left to become a nun Matisse ended up living near her and designing a chapel for the nuns – complete with colourful stained glass windows. The contrast between black and white and the colours Matisse loved is well portrayed in the illustrations. The book ends with an informative biographical note, which even tells you the best time of year to visit the Chapelle du Rosaire (early on an autumn morning)! Recommended for ages 7 to 10. (You might also enjoyed the other picture books by Laurence Anholt that I have reviewed so far: Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story; Camille and the Sunflowers; and Leonardo and the Flying Boy.)
Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse by Marjorie Blain Parker, illustrated by Holly Berry (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012)
Starting with his childhood when his parents worried that he would end up down-and-out, Colorful Dreamer traces Matisse’s path to becoming a famous artist. He may have started as a dreamer, but once he found his calling he worked hard and excelled. The detailed illustrations begin in black and white and slowly become riotous with colour. The author’s note at the end focuses mainly on Matisse’s artwork; also included is a list of museums that display his work. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.