From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. Minou, a robust Siamese cat, lives with young Pablo Picasso in a tiny Montmartre studio. He's not fond of Picasso's latest work--the bleak, sorrowful paintings from the Blue Period that won't sell. When the money runs out, Picasso sends Minou into the streets to find his own food, and the resourceful cat trots home with sausages donated by a boisterous crowd of circus performers. A delighted Picasso follows Minou back to the circus, where the artist is inspired to paint a series of joyous, rosy paintings, which are a huge success. Picasso sees sadness everywhere, and the artist's struggle to survive is real. But Maltbie balances the gloom with a sweet friendship story that ends successfully, while Estrada's detailed pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations beautifully capture the Montmartre scene, the expressive cat and artist, and Picasso's work, arranged around the gloriously cluttered studio. An author's note, which reveals the factual elements in the story, is accompanied by a small photograph of Picasso with the real Minou. A lovely introduction to Picasso's work and to an artist's life. Gillian Engberg
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About the Author
P.I. Maltbie writes biographical stories and articles focusing on issues related to disabilities. Picasso and Minou is her first children's book. She lives in Long Beach, California. Paul Estrada was born in Barcelona, Spain. He is a teacher, an illustrator, and a video artist. He has illustrated many books, both in the United States and in Europe.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In her debut children's book, Maltbie playfully imagines the impact that the famed artist's cat has on his work. As the book opens, Pablo Picasso, depicted by Estrada (Button Soup) as a boyish fellow, is in the midst of his Blue Period ("pictures of sad, blue people living in a cold, blue world"). Even the streets of Pablo's Montmartre unfold in gray-blue cobblestones and building exteriors. The artist's sole joy is his cat, Minou, a well-mannered feline concerned for his master's well-being. (" `So, Minou, what do you think of my latest masterpiece?' Pablo asked. Minou was too polite to let his friend know what he really thought, so he meowed.") No one buys Pablo's somber paintings, and he refuses to take the advice of artist friends who encourage him to "paint something that sells, something happy." Unable to feed them both, Pablo sends Minou away. Scrounging for food, the feline comes upon a troupe of brightly clad acrobats, dancers and a resplendent, juggling harlequin. The performers give Minou a sausage, which he takes to Pablo, who becomes curious about its source, leading him to an abundance of new subjects. Soon Pablo enters a successful period of painting, thanks to the ministrations of his feline friend and politest critic. Estrada's illustrations in ink, gouache and watercolor highlight the influences that shaped Picasso's life and art. The witty and loyal cat serves as a charming vehicle for introducing Picasso to aspiring artists and budding art lovers. Ages 4-9. (Feb.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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