Veronique Massenot – författare

This book tells the story of the postman Zephyr, who lives in a little blue village in the mountains where nothing ever changes. A dreamer hoping for adventures, he travels on a cloud, embarking on a fantastic airborne journey that takes him to distant and colourful lands. Eventually Zephyr falls to earth and meets a beautiful young woman. Together they return to the postman's home village which is now transformed in Zephyr's eyes and begin their exciting new life together. Inspired by Chagall's masterpiece, a world of colour and imagination awaits the readers of this book. Paintings based on Chagall's striking palette and elegant lines help tell a simple yet poetic story. The book includes a gorgeous reproduction of Chagall's masterpiece 'Les Maries de la Tour Eiffel' ('The Bride and Groom of the Eiffel Tower'), illustrating a journey of words and pictures, and introducing young readers to the work of one of the most popular artists of the twentieth century.

On a stormy winter's day, a baby boy, Naoki, is swept into a fisherman's boat by a great wave. Years pass, but still Naoki does not grow. Must he return to the ocean in order to become a young man? The answer arrives in the form of a mythic fish. Japanese artist Hokusai is one of the world's most celebrated printmakers. His famous woodcut, 'The Great Wave', epitomizes the artist's characteristic techniques and themes. In this children's book, the artist's masterpiece is the genesis for a simple but compelling story, beautifully illustrated in pictures that recall Hokusai's brilliant use of detail, perspective and colour. A stunning reproduction of the woodcut itself is featured in the book, supplemented by information about the artist and his work. At once modern and classic, The Great Wave introduces young readers to a beloved artist and his timeless portrayals of nature and transformation.

The kingdom of Mirador is terrified of a monstrous, fire-spewing beast that lurks just outside the village walls. No one has actually seen the creature except for the king, whose constant reminder of impending danger turns the village gloomy and joyless. One spring day a troupe of musicians and their dog enters the gates. Suddenly there is fun and romance, song and dance. The people are no longer afraid - until the loathsome beast does, in fact, appear. What happens next will delight children and adults alike as the magic of art and music transforms screams of terror into peals of laughter. Drawing on details of Pablo Picasso's masterpiece Trois Musiciens, artist Vanessa Hie uses brightly hued watercolors, bold lines and graphic images to familiarise children with Picasso's style. The book closes with a reproduction of Picasso's original painting and an engaging lesson on the artist's use of images and symbols, his fascination with theatre and music and his passionate pleas for peace in the wake of World War I.

Henri Matisse s massive and joyous cutout work, The Parakeet and the Mermaid, is the basis for this delightful children s book about the unlikely friendship between a mermaid and a parakeet. Henri Matisse once said, What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter. It s no wonder his works are loved by children everywhere. In this charming book, Vanessa Hie and Veronique Massenot create a world based on Matisse s vision, in which a mermaid is thrust out of the sea by a massive storm. Stranded in a tree, not knowing how she can return to her home without legs, she meets a parakeet who is so moved by her plight he finds a way to help her. Vanessa Hie s gorgeous, deeply hued illustrations incorporate the shapes and colors found in Matisse s original masterpiece, which is reproduced at the end of the book. Massenot s simple but profound story of bravery and friendship is a delight to read. Together, the words and pictures tell a timeless story, while introducing young people to Matisse s artistry.

Frida is lying in her bed, imprisoned by painful injuries she sustained in an accident. She yearns to paint, but can only manage to sing what is in her imagination. Suddenly, a jar of paintbrushes falls off her nightstand and a pool of vibrant color spreads across the floor. A monkey called Caimito scurries to help her with his friends, gathering her brushes, paint and canvas as well as all the items that Frida mentioned in her song—fruit, birds, flowers, and butterflies. Frida is so happy and grateful for the monkeys’ assistance that she manages to create a new painting, a triumphant self-portrait with Caimito in her arms. The book explores the major themes of Kahlo’s work— physical pain, enduring love, and steadfastness—as well as the symbolism of plants, animals, numbers, and religion, to give young readers a solid foundation for appreciating the artist’s works for the rest of their lives.