An imperfect but worthwhile portrait of two unique collectors of modern art and the artists who surrounded them.
“Dorothy and Herbert lived for ART.”
When the term art collector is used, a librarian and a postal worker don’t usually come to mind. But Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, formerly painting students themselves, were bitten by the art bug. Beginning in the 1960s, they lived frugally, saved their money, and “if Dorothy and Herbert liked the art, could carry it in a cab or subway…move it up the elevator, and fit it into their tiny Upper East Side apartment, they bought it,” filling their small apartment from floor to ceiling with exciting pieces. Lyrical, energetic text and memorable, innovative illustrations (including a particularly dramatic double gatefold) capture the Vogels’ love of art and the artists of New York’s SoHo community, show how Dorothy and Herbert became mentors and hosts, and include interesting details. There is no list of the art and artists depicted, though the illustrator’s website contains a key and includes web-based resources, many on Wikipedia. While the text is sometimes a bit vague (it explains that they decided to “share [their collection] with the world” without explicitly stating that instead of selling or showing it, they donated it), overall, this is a warm and thoughtful depiction of the two collectors as well as an engaging introduction to the world of modern art. The title characters are White; street scenes reflect New York City’s racial diversity.
An imperfect but worthwhile portrait of two unique collectors of modern art and the artists who surrounded them. (author’s note, illustrator’s note, glossary, sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-951836-21-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Cameron + Company
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
Blandly inspirational fare made to evoke equally shrink-wrapped responses.
An NBA star pays tribute to the influence of his grandfather.
In the same vein as his Long Shot (2009), illustrated by Frank Morrison, this latest from Paul prioritizes values and character: “My granddad Papa Chilly had dreams that came true,” he writes, “so maybe if I listen and watch him, / mine will too.” So it is that the wide-eyed Black child in the simply drawn illustrations rises early to get to the playground hoops before anyone else, watches his elder working hard and respecting others, hears him cheering along with the rest of the family from the stands during games, and recalls in a prose afterword that his grandfather wasn’t one to lecture but taught by example. Paul mentions in both the text and the backmatter that Papa Chilly was the first African American to own a service station in North Carolina (his presumed dream) but not that he was killed in a robbery, which has the effect of keeping the overall tone positive and the instructional content one-dimensional. Figures in the pictures are mostly dark-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Blandly inspirational fare made to evoke equally shrink-wrapped responses. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-81003-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
A brief but sweet snapshot of an inspiring girl who finds hope in song.
Through the power of music, Lucimarian Tolliver is reminded of what’s important.
Lucy is one of the only children of African descent on her block—called Lucy Street—in 1930s Akron, Ohio, but all her neighbors share one commonality: poverty. Lucy’s carefree spirit is dampened when her family’s furniture is repossessed one day. She visits her grandfather, who comforts her by singing the folk standard “This Little Light of Mine.” Grandpa tells Lucy that she’s destined for greatness and that she should never stop singing, even through life’s toughest moments. Back at home, Lucy’s father scolds her for singing at the dinner table, so she quickly finishes eating and wanders outside and sings into the night. Her voice reaches her family and neighbors, who are all touched by her song. Digital illustrations evoke the time period in muted tones, featuring endearing characters with simple yet expressive features. The visual subject matter is repetitive from page to page, as are the incorporated lyrics of “This Little Light of Mine.” Based on Lucimarian Tolliver’s experiences growing up during the Depression, the text contains an epilogue but lacks backmatter detailing historical context or more information about Lucy’s life. Though the themes of optimism and the importance of family, faith, and music shine through the text, readers may be left with more questions than answers.
A brief but sweet snapshot of an inspiring girl who finds hope in song. (Picture-book biography. 5-7)Pub Date: May 20, 2025
ISBN: 9780063222540
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
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