cover image Marc Chagall: Painter of Dreams

Marc Chagall: Painter of Dreams

Natalie S. Bober. Jewish Publication Society of America, $14.95 (142pp) ISBN 978-0-8276-0379-0

Subtle and enchanting, this finely detailed account celebrates Chagall's Jewish heritage as well as his creative life. Scenes of deep emotion--the boy's father throwing the rubles for his son's art lessons on the kitchen floor, the young Marc's prayer to be ``not like all the others''--counterbalance descriptions of the painter's magical imagery. Chagall's artistic development is scrutinized, along with the world events that shaped his personal life. Rosenberry's plentiful line drawings incorporate Chagallian motifs, gracefully linking the text to the artist's work. Unfortunately, only four color reproductions are included, but this sympathetic and vivacious biography shoud make readers want to search out more works by the great artist who never forgot his roots. Ages 9-13. (Dec.)