Blog #23

Suzette and the Puppy: A Story About Mary Cassatt

Written by: Joan Sweeney

Illustrated by: Jennifer Heyd Wharton

Baron’s Educational Series, Inc.

2000

27 pages

            I chose this book because it was a neat example of historical fiction.  This book is based upon a painting called Little Girl in a Blue Armchair from 1878.  This book was painted by famous American impressionist artist Mary Cassatt.  The book is a fictional account of how the little girl named Suzette, the dog named Nipper, and Mary Cassatt originally met and how the portrait was painted.  The book tells a story of a little girl and her nursemaid’s visits to the park.  One day in the park  Suzette ran into a tall woman and her dog, Nipper.  The little girl immediately falls in love with the dog.  Later on, she sees the dog again on a rainy day and he is wearing a raincoat and boots!  Then one day the little dog jumped into the pond to chase a ball.  He caused everyone to be splashed and they were all wet.  Then, the tall woman shows up at Suzette’s home.  The tall women is Mary Cassatt and she painted Suzette’s picture with Nippers!  The historical facts from the book are that Mary Cassatt was a real artist who drew that portrait in 1878.

            The illustrator of this book is Jeniffer Heyd Wharton.  She used watercolor to render the artwork in this book.  The artwork’s colors remind me of the original painting by Mary Cassatt.  There are many shades of blues and greens, making the book have a calming effect while it is being read.  The illustrator used both single and double-page spreads along with formal text placement.  I love the illustrations about the little dog, Nipper.  There are a few scenes depicted where he is jumping to the pool at the park and splashing everyone.  I like the use of moments throughout the series of illustrations.

            This book is appropriate for children in kindergarten until third third grade.  This story is about an animal so younger children will be very attentive to a read aloud of this book.  I would use this book in my classroom to discuss portraits, the late 1800 time period, or to discuss the genre of historical fiction.  Teaching about art is necessary for children and this would be a fun way for an art teacher to discuss history works of art.  Also, it is sometimes hard for young thinkers to imagine a time period from the past.  Books like this help explain the dress, social formalities, and cultures.  Also, this would be a great book to use as an example of historical fiction.  The real elements are used to make up a fictional story.