- Story
- Illustrations
- Format/Quality
- Originality
- Read-Aloudability
Van Gogh and the Sunflowers
Laurence Anholt
Auryn Inc.
Synopsis:
Van Gogh and the Sunflowers from Auryn Inc. is based on Laurence Anholt’s book by the same name.
“Where Camille lived, the sunflowers grew so high they looked like real suns – a whole field of burning yellow suns.” So begins Laurence Anholt’s engaging picture book app about the relationship between the postman’s son and Vincent van Gogh. As the story unfolds, Camille and his family befriend and help this strange painter.
Based on actual events, this simple and evocative story has a powerful message of tolerance and compassion for those who appear odd or unusual, and march to a different drummer. Anholt’s gentle and empathetic text is complemented by his lovely and expressive watercolor illustrations, and includes reproduction of some of van Gogh’s most famous paintings.
Perfect for youngsters 4-11, “Van Gogh and the Sunflowers” is an inspiring introduction to the artist, Vincent van Gogh, and his paintings, that shouldn’t be missed.
Auryn has once again used its expertise in showcasing watercolor illustrations in the most realistic manner. It is a perfect marriage between Laurence Anholt’s illustrations and Auryn’s technology. (iTunes)
To say this app is “super cool” is an understatement but regardless, this app is super cool! (Purchase here: link) The illustrations appear to pop off out of the screen in a creative display. When tapping the gear in the upper left hand corner of the screen the “mechanics” behind the pop-out become visible. There are games to be played with the gears that give the reader the ability to bring the pages to life. The characters can also
Cover via Amazon
be “painted” in the way the reader likes allowing the reader the ability to become an active participant in creating the art as well as enjoying it.
Vincent Van Gogh painted nearly 900 paintings in nine years. Only one of these paintings sold while he lived. The painting that sold was called The Red Vinyard. Seeing Van Gogh as a protagonist was a surprise and a delight. He was different and eccentric and not accepted. In a time when being a blacksmith or servant were common jobs an artist had to have courage to rise above the molds society had in place. Much like today society dictates what is normal and what is not and it takes a special someone to rise above those molds and become something great.
I found this story to be inspiring and educational. I think this book will have to be pried away from the reader as it is very interactive and will keep children busy for a long time. It will even keep adults busy as I intend to play with the puzzles myself. They are excellent puzzles that stimulate lateral thinking and awaken logical impulses in the brain. If you have an iPad you need to buy this app. It is truly awesome and inspires creativity as well as logic. It has it all and you all should have it!
