Looking for a great book to introduce your young children to
the wonders of art?  
Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew
Dogs
is a continuation of Barron’s Educational Series’ long
running tradition of beautiful, informative and entertaining art
books. This story invites children into an exploration of art
and history by illuminating the work of celebrated master
artist, Rembrandt.

The rich pen-and-watercolor illustrations of this book are
punctuated with seven fine art reproductions, including
Rembrandt’s renowned etching "The Three Trees,”  
humorous etching “Self Portrait in a Cap,” several pen and
ink sketches including the powerful “A Lion at Rest,” and
master paintings: “The Kitchen Maid” and the iconic portrait
of the artist’s son,  “Titus at His Desk.”

This heartwarming story transports young readers to the city
of Amsterdam in the 1650s. It is a time when world-renowned
artist Rembrandt van Rijn is at the height of fame among his
patrons—and when his young son Titus longs to imitate his
father and become a great painter. At first, Rembrandt
rebuffs Titus’s attempts at drawing, telling the boy he is too
young to learn art. But gradually, the master painter is won
over by his son’s enthusiasm and persistence, and he begins
to teach a very happy Titus the basic techniques of drawing
from life. Here is a warmhearted story for children, with
illustrations that capture the atmosphere of seventeenth-
century Holland and suggest some of the genius that
radiates from Rembrandt’s own magnificent paintings.

After curling up for a cozy read with the moppets, go on an
adventure and check out local art museums.

About the Author
Molly Blaisdell is the author of Rembrandt and the Boy Who
Drew Dogs and is a freelance writer who has published many
articles and books for the children’s educational market. She
lives with her husband Tim in Woodinville, Washington and
has four wonderful children.  

About the Illustrator
Nancy Lane is a freelance illustrator and creator of artwork
that ranges from community murals, logos, and courtroom
drawings to licensed T-shirt designs, and children’s books.
www.nancylanestudio.com/

Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew Dogs (ISBN-13: 978-
0764160974) is available for $14.99 online at Amazon.com
as an advance order and will be available in June at major
retailers, local bookstores, and the publisher.

More information:
www.barronseduc.com
The simple color illustrations bring to
life this thoughtful story about father-
son bonds, honing one's practice in a
chosen craft, and the (sometimes)
helpful efforts of man's best friend.
Highly recommended.
Midwest Book Review

...an original tale....sticks to the
historical record....this book can serve
as a nice introduction to the great
artist for younger children.
 Jon Peters,
Booklist Online, October 7, 2008.

"The story weaves the tale of Titus,
and how badly he wanted to paint just
like his father. His antics with his dogs
show Titus' strong desire to learn,
despite his father telling him he is too
young. Overtime, his persistence and
enthusiasm pay off. and his father
takes him on as an apprentice."
Curriculum Review, Sept. 1, 2008

"The neat thing about Blaisdell’s story
is that it teaches the story of
Rembrandt and about life in
Amsterdam in the 1600s while at the
same time imparting the lesson of
perseverance..."  
Julie Wallace, Lorain
County Moms

Barron's books have published a
magnificent picture book series for
children featuring famous authors.
Each book tells the story of one
particular artist (i.e., Picasso,
Rockwell, etc.) in a situation involving
children...For example, in the book
Rembrandt and the Boy Who Drew
Dogs we are told the story of
Rembrandt's son, Titus, who
possessed certain artistic traits...
These stories are cleverly and
adorably told. In short, they make
history come alive.

5 Minutes For Books, Introducing
Famous Artists, October 14, 2008   
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