Gatsby the art gallery cat jumps into famous paintings at night.Strange things happen when he doesn't jump back out before sunrise.
Picture book published by guardian angel Publishing:
Gatsby's Grand Adventures is the first book in a series of art books featuring Gatsby, an art gallery cat who jumps into famous paintings at night. When he remembers to jump out before sunrise, everything is fine. But, sometimes Gatsby forgets and that's when strange things happen to Winslow Homer's painting "Snap the Whip".
Each book in the series will include a biography of the featured artist and several websites so children can learn more about individual artists and their work.
Excerpt
His long tail twitched. his nose itched. His haunches hitched. NOW! Gatsby jumped, landing on the gallery floor. But again,he found sunlight streaming through the hallway into the gallery. Another Ghastly Cat-astrophe!
Professional Reviews
Readers Favorite 5 star Review by Ty Mall
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It portrayed art in a way that, I think, would entertain both young and old, in addition to making them want to learn more about art. Transcending the scope of the intended audience is one of the things that I think makes great writing stand out. And this book accomplished all that by showing me, rather than telling. This book would be a great way to encourage imagination and creativity, as well as interest in art and art history. Can't wait for more books from this author.
By Penelope Anne Cole
Gatsby's Grand Adventures: Book One, Winslow Homer's 'Snap the Whip' by Barbara Cairns, with art by Eugene Ruble, is the first book in a series about famous paintings and one venturesome cat. Gatsby is a cat with a special ability to "jump" into paintings at night, in his owner Annabelle's art gallery. You can imagine he will have a lot of adventures in new paintings. There is a catch- Gatsby has to jump out before sunrise so everything in the painting will go back to normal.
In his first adventure, Gatsby sees the fun the boys have playing the "Snap the Whip" game in this version of Winslow Homer's famous painting. He jumps in for a closer look and is happily exploring. However, he gets sidetracked by other creatures and misses the exit deadline. when he jumps out, he has left the painting in a "mess". He has to go back and try to fix it the next day.
The book series gives the illustrator, eugene ruble, the opportunity to combine his talent with those of some famous artists. In this first book, his portrayal of the people shows their emotions and enjoyment of life. His pastels contrast well with Winslow Homer's "realism". We'll see what challenges await him as the series progresses.
the book blends together humor, art history and art education, adventure, and enjoyment of life. I especially like Barbara Cairns' use of language to enhance the story-- and bring it to life-- such as:
"His long tail twitched. His nose itched. His haunches hitched. SNAP! With a tremendous leap, Gatsby landed in the soft, green grass. He rolled in it. He nibbled it. He peeked through it. the grass tickled his belly."
The concept of this series- fun experiences and education through art- is uplifting. Teachers and parents will appreciate the art information and websites provided at the end of the book. Children will enjoy each of Gatsby's adventures in this and future paintings. We can hardly wait for Gatsby's next adventure when we playfully jump into the painting with him.
By E. Trimpert
I've just read GATSBY'S GRAND ADVENTURES, the first of what I hope will be many children's books by Barbara Cairns to combine an intriguing story for beginning readers with art history. Cairns, a retired teacher, masterfully blends the tale of Gatsby, a mischievous feline given to night forays jumping in and out of paintings, with what will likely be a youngster's first exposure to one of America's iconic painters.
While his owner Miss Annabelle, keeper of an art gallery, frets over mysterious changes to her precious painting-Winslow Homer's "Snap the Whip"- young readers follow Gatsby's exploits in the world inside the painting. There is just enough magical thinking to catch the fancy of children and to keep them reading or listening while, unbeknownst to them, they learn. I've sent a copy to my grandsons.
