In researching picture books about historical figures I have come across seven about Marc Chagall (1887-1985), the Russian-French-Jewish artist. Today I’m sharing three of them; I hope to highlight the other four in a future post.
Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story by Laurence Anholt (Barron’s, 2014)
Twin grandchildren ask Marc Chagall to tell them a story and he tells them four: being a little boy, meeting his wife, running away from war, and becoming rich and famous. It’s a creative way to write a biography for children, simplified but does show good and bad experiences. The illustrations are colourful though muted compared to Chagall’s paintings; several reproductions are included (listed on copyright page). The book ends with a one-page bio. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Emily Lisker (Henry Holt and Company, 2005)
This short biographical picture book does a good job describing how Chagall saw the world around him, even as a young child. It doesn’t say much about his life after he married and returned to Paris (no mention of going to America during World War II). The simple brightly coloured paintings inspired by Chagall’s own style are explained in a brief illustrator’s note. The book also includes a short author’s note, a two-page bio, one reproduction of a Chagall painting (I and the Village) and a glossary of four terms (Haggadah, Heder, Simchas Torah, and Sukkoth). Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall’s Life and Art by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary Grandpre (Alfred A. Knopf, 2018)
Poetic language tells the story of Chagall’s life from boyhood; the rhythms are based on Chagall’s own words in My Life. Repetition is used to great effect: “Through the window the boy/student/misfit/painter/revolutionary sees…” This book uses visual descriptions to show Chagall’s immediate context, the events of his life, historical events, and the art he created. Vivid colourful illustrations fit with his painting style. The author’s note is a three-page bio with three reproductions of his artwork and quotations; there is also a list of fifteen sources. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.