The twins Meret and Bella love their grandfather, Papa Chagall, and he loves telling them stories. One day, when they visit him in his studio, he tells them about his life - through four different stories, all told during a day they spend together.
The first story is about Chagall' s childhood, and how his paintings of purple cows and flying people made his mother smile. She took him to see the teacher at the Art College, who was so amazed by the boy' s work he offered him a free place at the college.
The second story tells how Chagall met the twins' grandmother, Bella, how they fell in love and went to live in Paris, and had a baby - the twins' mother, Ida.
Then comes the sad story of how the Nazis hated the Jews and mocked the paintings of Jewish artists. But Ida persuaded her father and mother to emigrate to America, taking Chagall' s paintings with them.
The family were not happy in America, but in the fourth and last story Chagall tells the twins that at last people started to appreciate his art and he became a famous artist - and was able to paint happy paintings again.

About the Author
Laurence Anholt is part of a husband-and-wife team who have worked together on more than 60 picture books, published all over the world in more than 17 different languages. Their picture books - including the Chimp and Zee series - have won numerous awards and have been featured on television and radio. Laurence has been described by William Watt as one of the most versatile authors writing for children today. He was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting passion for art. He is a much sought after public speaker, appearing at conferences such as the European Council of International Schools Conference, the Northern Children's Book Festival and the Edinburgh Festival.

To visit the Anholts' website click here

Reviews

"As with the previous titles in the series, the artist's life is told in simple narrative and charming Anholt illustrations."

'The story is told well and the illustrations are charming.'

"Laurence Anholt's style suits Chagall perfectly and the story will enchant young art lovers."

"Laurence Anholt's style suits Chagall perfectly and the story will enchant young art lovers."

'beautiful .... The tenth in a series of true stories about great artists ... exploding with colour, what it encapsulates is so wonderful about Chagall ... Highly recommended. I can think of no better way to introduce artistry to small children.'

'For more than 20 years the Anholt's Artists series has been one of the best loved introductions to art for young people... and please don't miss Laurence Anholt's latest masterpiece.'

'has a breezy charm of which Chagall himself might have approved... Chagall's paintings are dashingly represented and children will enjoy his weightless flying figures and their fantastical freedoms.'

'Books that straddle fact and fiction are not the easiest to make work. Laurence Anholt's experience and the confidence of the whole series give these latest books an assuredness and authoritative feel.'

'The story is told well and the illustrations are charming.'

"As with the previous titles in the series, the artist's life is told in simple narrative and charming Anholt illustrations."

Book Information
ISBN 9781847806581
Author Laurence Anholt
Format Paperback
Page Count 32
Imprint Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Publisher Quarto Publishing PLC