CHASING THE SUN

An illustrated story inspired by Van Gogh’s masterpieces.

A tan “sunflower baby” with hair resembling sunbeams emerges from a sunflower still life in Van Gogh’s bedroom and chases the sun. It eludes the child, who pursues it through a sun-dappled landscape. The sprite is disconsolate when night falls. Then day becomes “a starry night sky,” and the sunflower baby is embedded in a glowing orb in that revered painting. The book re-creates seven works of art by Van Gogh; they are named on the title page, and the museums where they are exhibited are listed. (One is privately owned.) The referenced paintings are used as backgrounds for the sunflower baby’s escapade, beginning with a scene inspired by the renowned painting of Van Gogh’s bedroom, continuing with “The Sower,” and concluding with the final pages, encompassing “Starry Night.” Some scenes include distant views—familiar to Van Gogh aficionados—of a straw-hatted artist with easel and pipe; some scenes depict a red-haired man meant to represent Van Gogh. Note the latter’s sly “nighttime” message on the final page. The book is translated from Dutch, and the creator uses vivid colors and bold brush strokes à la Vincent. However, the story makes little sense narratively (why does the child’s hair suddenly turn gold?), and anyone unfamiliar with Van Gogh’s work won’t understand the artistic homages. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Doesn’t work as a children’s introduction to Van Gogh’s art; stick with the master’s actual paintings.