From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. This handsome, oversize volume introduces the life and art of Toulouse-Lautrec. His childhood, the disease that stunted the growth of his legs, and his decision to study art in Paris begin the text, which goes on to discuss the nightlife in Montmartre, the young man's talent, his hard work, and his growing reputation. In his brief lifetime, his posters for the Moulin Rouge became renowned not just as advertising but also as art. Burleigh relates the facts in a way that is comprehensible to children, without talking down to them. He seamlessly incorporates information about the people portrayed in the pictures and the style of the art into the narrative account of the artist's life. The book's format allows for many illustrations, including period photos and paintings of Paris by artists such as Pissarro and Renoir, which are cleverly mingled with reproductions of Toulouse-Lautrec's arresting drawings, paintings, and lithographs, many in color. Together, they give a sense of the excitement that was Paris. Back matter includes a bibliography and an author's note. A beautifully designed book that provides a lively, accessible introduction to the artist's life and work. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
Published in association with The Art Institute of Chicago. Just in time for a major traveling exhibition on Toulouse-Lautrec in 2005 comes a book that introduces the brilliant and ever-popular artist to kids.

An important addition to Abrams' growing library of acclaimed picture book biographies is the story of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the French artist best known today for his vibrant and much-loved posters. Along with explaining the development of the poster medium, the book tells the moving tale of how Lautrec triumphed over a crippling childhood disease to become a popular artist in his day. The book is illustrated with gorgeous reproductions of his paintings, posters, and drawings, ranging from childhood sketches, to portraits of performers at the famous Moulin Rouge, to circus themes. Contemporary photographs of Lautrec and his friends bring the story to life. AUTHOR BIO: A painter as well as a writer, Robert Burleigh is the author of award-winning books for children that have been praised by Booklist as painting "mesmerizing word pictures on the page." He lives with his wife in Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago houses more than 300,000 works of art within its ten curatorial departments.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Published in association with The Art Institute of Chicago. Just in time for a major traveling exhibition on Toulouse-Lautrec in 2005 comes a book that introduces the brilliant and ever-popular artist to kids.

An important addition to Abrams' growing library of acclaimed picture book biographies is the story of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the French artist best known today for his vibrant and much-loved posters. Along with explaining the development of the poster medium, the book tells the moving tale of how Lautrec triumphed over a crippling childhood disease to become a popular artist in his day. The book is illustrated with gorgeous reproductions of his paintings, posters, and drawings, ranging from childhood sketches, to portraits of performers at the famous Moulin Rouge, to circus themes. Contemporary photographs of Lautrec and his friends bring the story to life.

Author Bio: A painter as well as a writer, Robert Burleigh is the author of award-winning books for children that have been praised by Booklist as painting "mesmerizing word pictures on the page." He lives with his wife in Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago houses more than 300,000 works of art within its ten curatorial departments.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly