This books features beautiful reproductions of famous art along with cartoons that are inserted to relieve the intensity of learning and to encourage understanding while adding humor. It works￯﾿ﾽthis "click" with a laugh embedded in the artist's story every so often￯﾿ﾽand it will certainly draw readers who might otherwise turn away from a book about art. Degas decided on a career in art while still in his teens. Degas lived a privileged life early on and could afford to paint what he liked, rather than depend upon sales to earn a living. Only after his father died was he forced to cast his lot with his Impressionist friends and try to sell his work. Luckily, he was a success from the start and held a secure place in the Paris world of art. The book is part of the clever series "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists." 2000, Children's Press/Grolier, $22.50. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Chernak