Perfect for children who are interested in art and a great way to introduce children to art. I really liked how some information about the artists were included. This book is a great read for inspiring creativity.

A wonderful way to introduce fine art to the younger set. A good discussion starter for why the readers are drawn to artworks.

Janson loves to paint. Lucky for her, she lives in a museum, so she has many beautiful works of art she can model her own art after.

Janson imitates the work of a wide range of famous artists, which expose the reader to the various forms of art work and which people are famous for them. This story also shows Janson's last piece is her favorite because it was entirely her own creation. The illustrations are very nice with no borders and an all white background.

Summary:

A young mouse named Janson lives in a museum and falls in love with exploring the beautiful artwork at night. However, when the modern wing closes for renovation, she is devastated, until she decides to create her own artwork. The museum director sees it and is so impressed he gives her her own exhibition, where people come from far and wide to see her work. Janson also finally finishes her own masterpiece, a "mousterpiece", and is content being a true artist.

Personal commentary / Reflection:

I loved how Zalben mixed together a delightful children's story with real historical art history in the ending, along with little tidbits about the artists! I recognized a few of the more famous references, like the Andy Warhol soup cans, but it was nice to read a little bit about some of the lessor known artists. I also really liked the authors dedication in the beginning to her father, about how he called her paintings "love pictures". That made me smile :) This would be a great book for a young reader who is interested in art! ( )