"The Artist Who Loved Cats" was a short read, but definitely worth it. Most people have probably seen Steillen's work on posters or in books, but know little about this artist. This picture book is intended for children, but anyone who loves art or cats would enjoy it.

The illustrations are in full color, and the artwork is quite enjoyable. The text is written in rhyme, which also makes it fun to read. The author included a factual summary about Steinlen at the end of the book. She also included some fun "seek and find" pictures, which I found to be delightful. This bonus feature made me go back and look at the pictures more closely. This feature would also be a great activity for parents and children to do together, and would further engage them in the book. Highly recommended.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

‘’Where shall I start? How does an artist begin to make art?’’

Paris is a city forever linked with certain images in the minds of the citizens of the world. Le Chat Noir is one of the most recognizable. We see the beautiful, proud feline in posters, bags, notebooks, umbrellas, earring (...guilty of that…). We all admire its elegance of a bygone era. However, how many of us know the artist who produces some of the most characteristic images that represent the unique Parisian flair to perfection? This is a beautiful book on Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, the artist who loved cats and the ordinary people who called the City of Light their ‘’home’’. It is simple and elegant because it aims to familiarise children with one of the most particular European artists and it is mighty successful.

The Swiss-born French painter is one of the most well-known Art Nouveau artists and one of the first to depict the darker, realistic side of Montmartre. Faithful to the demands of the era, he painted landscapes and nudes but it is people and animals that inspired his work. Characters that seemed to have been sprung from the novels of Émile Zola became a favourite subject for an artist who had to work in a very tense and dark era during the Great War. This lovely book, written in rhyme, doesn’t touch on the details of Steinlein’s life but decides to refer to his love for cats, the masters of the animal kingdom. In beautiful, vivid, old-fashioned illustrations by Courtenay Fletcher, Antoinette discovers the secrets of an artist and its vision, guided by a very clever cat.

Walk in the streets of Montmartre and let your eyes take in the unique atmosphere of a place filled with Art and life. Feel your heart breaking in front of Gaudeamus, dance in a dimly lit cabaret, drink with Toulouse- Lautrec, Erik Satie and Jane Anvil, but don’t disturb Maurice Ravel who is composing his immortal masterpiece, Bolero.

A beautiful gift to the children of the world.

‘’This world is abounding with magic and mystery! Each thing has a past. Each place has a history! You can make the world better with music and art, if you keep your eyes open and follow your heart.’’

Many thanks to Inner Flower Child Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com ( )

Telling the story of Theophile Alexandre Steinlen, the artist famous for his Chat Noir cat illustrations, this picture book will please young readers who love cats. A young girl sees a bronze cat in a shop, enters, and hears the story from the shop owner (and from the cat). I enjoyed the illustrations. A little more biographical information is presented after the main part of the picture book. I received an advance copy through NetGalley with the expectation I would write an honest review. ( )

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )