Charlotte in London

November 15, 2008
It 's 1895, and Charlotte, formerly of Boston, is leaving Giverny, France, where her father studies painting with Monsieur Monet, for London, where her mother hopes to model for John Singer Sargent. Presented in a fictional diary format similar to earlier books in the series (Charlotte in Giverny, 2000, etc.), this charming tale is likewise accompanied by Sweet 's appealing watercolors and inventive collage that incorporates reproductions of artwork and period photographs. When it becomes clear that Sargent has traveled on, the family, hoping their paths will intersect, continues its tour as well and enters a social whirlwind of artists and members of le beau monde, from Henry James to James Whistler to hostess Mrs. Cyprian Williams. Charlotte 's witty voice, peppered with French phrases, resonates brightly as she relates her tour of England from the Tower of London to the Cotswold countryside and includes interesting tidbits of historical detail for readers to savor. A terrific choice for readers with an interest in art history, this is a strong, appealing story on its own. (artwork credits, biographical notes, author 's note) (Fiction. 8-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2008) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

March 1, 2009
Gr 3-5-This latest selection in Charlotte's exciting adventures takes the fictional child from Giverny in 1895 where her father is learning to paint "en plein air" to London. As in the earlier titles, Knight blends cameo appearances of historical figures into the fictional narrative. For example, Charlotte's mother tries to enlist artist John Singer Sargent to paint her portrait and is seated at a dinner party next to Mr. Henry James. Charlotte and her friend Lizzy visit many monumental landmarks, from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. The text highlights both French and British culture; French phrases and historical facts are smoothly integrated within the text. Diary entries, watercolor paintings, and museum reproductions combine to create a detailed background. Featured artists' biographical information provides added depth to the period. There's much to explore in the mixed-media and watercolor art. Art aficionados and fans of Charlotte in Paris (2003) and Charlotte in Giverny (2000, both Chronicle) will enjoy these vivid British travels.Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2009
Grades 2-5 Art-loving Charlotte, who has globe-trotted from Giverny to Paris to New York, now writes of her trip to London in 1895 in this handsomely illustrated journal. The family goes to England in hopes that Charlottes mother will be painted by John Singer Sargent, but thats only a thread in this story, which is as much about new adventures as it is about art. As in previous books, much care and thought have been put into the books design. Sweets own illustrations are small gems, but there are interesting reproductions here as well. For readers who want to know more, theres plenty of back matter to inform. A bloomin delight.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2009
Charlotte and her family tour 1895 England in hopes of having Charlotte's mother's portrait painted by John Singer Sargent. Charlotte's journal abounds with travel- and art-related trivia and historical information. Mixed-media collages, watercolors, and artwork reproductions make for a varied and vibrant scrapbook. Short biographical notes about the artists appear at the end of the book.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 15, 2008
It's 1895, and Charlotte, formerly of Boston, is leaving Giverny, France, where her father studies painting with Monsieur Monet, for London, where her mother hopes to model for John Singer Sargent. Presented in a fictional diary format similar to earlier books in the series (Charlotte in Giverny, 2000, etc.), this charming tale is likewise accompanied by Sweet's appealing watercolors and inventive collage that incorporates reproductions of artwork and period photographs. When it becomes clear that Sargent has traveled on, the family, hoping their paths will intersect, continues its tour as well and enters a social whirlwind of artists and members of le beau monde, from Henry James to James Whistler to hostess Mrs. Cyprian Williams. Charlotte's witty voice, peppered with French phrases, resonates brightly as she relates her tour of England from the Tower of London to the Cotswold countryside and includes interesting tidbits of historical detail for readers to savor. A terrific choice for readers with an interest in art history, this is a strong, appealing story on its own. (artwork credits, biographical notes, author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2008) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)