Book Two of Gatsby's Grand Adventures features Gatsby the art gallery cat exploring Renoir's painting "The Apple Seller".
Gatsby the cat explores famous paintings at night. When he remembers to jump back out before sunrise, everything is fine. But sometimes, Gatsby forgets. That's when strange things happen to the painting.
Each book in the Gatsby's Grand Adventures series includes a biography of the artist and several websites so kids can learn more about the featured artist.
Excerpt
That night after Miss Annabelle finally fell asleep, Gatsby crept down the stairs into the gallery. He jumped back into the Renoir painting. Everyone started moving again.The mother and girls sat back on the bench. The apple seller retrieved her basket and walked down the path. But where's that pesky dog" Gatsby wondered.
Professional Reviews
Another Gatsby the Cat ArtAdventure
Gatsby's Grand Adventures: Book 2 Auguste Renoir's "The Apple Seller" by Barbara Cairns, artwork by Eugene Ruble,is the second book in her series about famous artists' paintings and Gatsby, the adventurous cat. Gatsby has a special ability to "jump" into paintings at night, in the art gallery, where he lives with owner Annabelle. This is the second of many painting adventures. The problem— Gatsby has to jump out before sunrise or everything in the painting will be changed. In this second adventure, Gatsby sees some happy little girls sitting in Renoir's painting. He thinks maybe they will play with him. He jumps in for a closer look and is pleased the girls are interested in him. Then suddenly, Jasper the dog starts barking and chases Gatsby up a tree. Gatsby stays there too long and misses his sunrise deadline. He jumps out leaving the painting changed. So, once again, he has to go back in to try and fix it. The illustrator, Eugene Ruble, has another famous artist and painting to challenge him. He uses pastels to give us happy children-laughing and playing-enjoying a pleasant day. Check out the second book and see how he measures up to Renoir. There will be more artistic challenges with each new book in the series. As in the first book, this book combines humor, art history and art education, adventure and just plain fun. I enjoy the upbeat concept of this series-happy and fun experiences plus education through art. I like Barbara Cairns' use of language to bring her story and Gatsby's character to life. Here's an example: "Gatsby jumped off the girls' lap. The grass tickled his belly. His long whiskers flicked up and down as he tunneled through the thicket." As a teacher and parent, I especially appreciate the art information and websites Ms. Cairns provides at the end of each book. children will surely enjoy curious cat Gatsby's adventures in these famous paintings. We wonder what Gatsby's next painting adventure will be and look forward to the trouble he will make.PENELOPE ANNE COLE, Author of Magical Matthew
Great Way To Introduce Art to Kids
Even though I am an adult,I love reading children's picture books. I especially like books that can teach children about a specific topic. In Gatsby's Grand Adventures:Book Two, Auguste Renoir's "The Apple Seller" by Barbara Cairns, children are introduced to a painting of famous artist, Auguste Renoir. I admire Ms. Cairns for coming up with this ingenious way to help children acquire appreciation for art. the author uses humor, and adventures to capture the mind of children. I love this concept because it is a very effective way to introduce young minds to the abstract world of art education. Gatsby the adventurous is very adept at jumping into paintings at night, in the art gallery where he lives with owner Annabelle. The fun begins when Gatsby must figure out a way to jump out before sunrise or everything in the painting will be changed. The illustrator, Eugene Ruble, uses pastels to portray the adventures in a unique way. I am also hugely impressed with Ms. Cairns' play with words in order to bring this story to life. Here's my favorite passage: "One night, Gatsby crept downstairs into the gallery. He padded across the floor and stopped. His big eyes stared at "The Apple Seller" by Pierre Auguste Renoir. Maybe those little girls will play with me. Gatsby's tail twitched. His whiskers itched. His haunches hitched. SNAP!" Lastly, Ms. Cairns provides the reader with art information and many websites at the end of the book. In my opinion, this is a valuable resource. Teachers and parents can use the information to encourage further study on the topic of art education. NICOLE WEAVER, Author of My Sister is My Friend
Gatsby the Art Gallery Cat
I've just completed my first reading of Gatsby's Grand Adventures:Book 2, Auguste Renoir's "The Apple Seller". Ms. Cairns, a retired teacher and gifted artist in her own right has done it again. This time, with more marvelous illustrations by Eugene Ruble, she and her impressible feline creation Gatsby the art gallery cat, have introduced young readers to Auguste Renoir and the school of Impressionism. By means of a story inside Renoir's "The Apple Seller"
the author weaves a tale of adventure with just enough naughtiness to entertain and just enough information to teach. Jumping in and out of this painting, Gatsby first gets himself treed by a yappy little dog and then literally upsets the apple cart, or more accurately, Annabelle , his and the gallery's owner-leaves utter chaos in the painting in his wake. In the end, however, proving the old adage that the third time really is the charm, on Gatsby's final venture into "The Apple Seller" he manages to put it all right once again and, having done so, returns to his basket for a much needed rest. My grandsons will be receiving a copy of this Gatsby's Grand Adventures as well.
E. "SEETH" TRIMPERT, Author of Bear Crossing.
Meet Yoo Hoo, a charming dragon with an appetite for adventure—and pizza! Unlike other dragons who live in caves or hoard treasures, Yoo Hoo prefers the comforts of his castle’s kitchen, where he whips up his favorite meal, pizza, alongside his trust
