A Storm of Horses: The Story of Artist Rosa Bonheur

Sanderson illuminates the life of 19th-century French animalière Marie-Rosalie “Rosa” Bonheur (1822–1899) in this feminist picture book, following Bonheur’s lifelong love of portraying horses, which involved sketching “the muscles of animals in a local slaughterhouse” and moving into a studio with a stable. Sanderson imbues the straightforward text with a clear sense of process: “After transferring her design, Rosa drew out the basic outlines with burnt red ochre oil paint.” Two particularly engrossing spreads showcase a mural-size painting in progress, and textured oil illustrations envisage Bonheur’s story of determination in a realistic style richly evocative of the subject’s own. Back matter includes detailed information on Bonheur, her life, and her art. Ages 6–12. (Feb.)