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Paris in the Spring with Picasso
This evocative portrait of the artists that made Paris tick in the early 20th century is a perfect introduction to the world of contemporary art and literature . . . and to Paris!
On any day of the week, if you cross Paris’s Luxembourg Gardens, you will come to a cobbled street called rue de Fleurus. Follow it to number 27, and you will arrive at Gertrude Stein’s home. Inside, she and her friend Alice B. Toklas are getting ready for their soiree with Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob, and some other friends. While they are tidying, Pablo is at his easel, working on a painting. His brilliant black eyes never leave the canvas. And what is Max doing? Well, he is completely absorbed in a poem he is writing.
On any day of the week, if you cross Paris’s Luxembourg Gardens, you will come to a cobbled street called rue de Fleurus. Follow it to number 27, and you will arrive at Gertrude Stein’s home. Inside, she and her friend Alice B. Toklas are getting ready for their soiree with Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob, and some other friends. While they are tidying, Pablo is at his easel, working on a painting. His brilliant black eyes never leave the canvas. And what is Max doing? Well, he is completely absorbed in a poem he is writing.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 21, 2020
It is indeed very much true that both Joan Yolleck's narrative and Marjorie Priceman's accompanying illustrations give a wonderful and evocative general feel and exuberance to Paris in the Spring With Picasso, an authentic description and demonstration of the joie de vivre, the artistic energy of early 20th century Paris (and I can therefore certainly also and absolutely understand just why so many artists, like for example Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso flocked there).
And truth be told, while I have indeed quite enjoyed both text and illustrations in Paris in the Spring With Picasso, I also do have to admit that I actually somewhat prefer the latter, that I have indeed found Joan Yolleck's narrative, her choice of printed words and expressions not quite as sweetly and glowingly magical as Marjorie Priceman's pictorial offerings, which yes, are bold and bright, and as such also so perfectly capture the energy, the artistic sentiment of early 20th century Paris. To me, Marjorie Priceman’s artwork is actually even reminiscent of the colours, the movement, the energy, the very feel of expressionism and surrealism; they completely and utterly evoke Paris, the artistic mecca that was Paris. However, there also is so much textual information presented in Paris in the Spring With Picasso, so many details, in fact, that unfortunately, the flow of the author's, of Joan Yolleck's presented narrative is, or at least can seem at times somewhat overly dense, even convoluted and disjointed. For I do know that I personally did become rather a bit distracted whilst reading, and I wonder if that might also (and likely even more so) be the case for children reading or listening to the text (and I would definitely thus consider Paris in the Spring With Picasso considerably more suited for older children, as in my humble opinion, it really is a bit too complicated and involved for reading with and to the very young).
And furthermore, I also have to wonder why the author has not included a bilingual glossary for the French words and expressions used. For since Joan Yolleck does in fact and appreciatively include excellent and informative biographical notes at the back of Paris in the Spring With Picasso, it would have been easy and also reasonable to have also included a language glossary. True, most of the French words and expressions found in Paris in the Spring With Picasso are indeed more than easy enough to figure out from the context, but I actually had to look up one of the French words used in a dictionary, the word "zinzolin." Now from Joan Yolleck’s narrative, I was quite positive that "zinzolin" likely was describing a type of colour (which it in fact did), but I of course wanted to be sure of my assumption. But even though having to look up a few words in a dictionary is not in any way a major problem for me, if this were to happen whilst reading a picture book aloud to a child or a group of children, it could easily disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Finally, and on a more personal (and annoyed) level, I also really do wish that Joan Yolleck had not simply in Paris in the Spring With Picasso described Alice B. Toklas as being Gertrude Stein's so-called best friend. For the two of them were most certainly a romantic couple, and in my opinion, even the author's words and vocabulary choices clearly demonstrate this. And yes, in this day and age, we should really be enlightened enough and brave enough to consider Alice B. Toklas as Gertrude Stein's partner, as her spouse. And indeed, claiming Alice B. Toklas as Gertrude Stein's best friend not only somewhat trivialises their entire relationship, it also gives a false or a potentially false image of their relationship to children reading Paris in the Spring With Picasso or having it read to them. And while I would and do still strongly recommend this book to and for older children interested in the art and artists of the early 20th century, if I were reading Paris in the Spring With Picasso with or to children, you bet that I would most definitely comment on and discuss my issues regarding Yolleck’s textual description of the relationship between Alice B. Toklas and Getrude Stein with them.
And truth be told, while I have indeed quite enjoyed both text and illustrations in Paris in the Spring With Picasso, I also do have to admit that I actually somewhat prefer the latter, that I have indeed found Joan Yolleck's narrative, her choice of printed words and expressions not quite as sweetly and glowingly magical as Marjorie Priceman's pictorial offerings, which yes, are bold and bright, and as such also so perfectly capture the energy, the artistic sentiment of early 20th century Paris. To me, Marjorie Priceman’s artwork is actually even reminiscent of the colours, the movement, the energy, the very feel of expressionism and surrealism; they completely and utterly evoke Paris, the artistic mecca that was Paris. However, there also is so much textual information presented in Paris in the Spring With Picasso, so many details, in fact, that unfortunately, the flow of the author's, of Joan Yolleck's presented narrative is, or at least can seem at times somewhat overly dense, even convoluted and disjointed. For I do know that I personally did become rather a bit distracted whilst reading, and I wonder if that might also (and likely even more so) be the case for children reading or listening to the text (and I would definitely thus consider Paris in the Spring With Picasso considerably more suited for older children, as in my humble opinion, it really is a bit too complicated and involved for reading with and to the very young).
And furthermore, I also have to wonder why the author has not included a bilingual glossary for the French words and expressions used. For since Joan Yolleck does in fact and appreciatively include excellent and informative biographical notes at the back of Paris in the Spring With Picasso, it would have been easy and also reasonable to have also included a language glossary. True, most of the French words and expressions found in Paris in the Spring With Picasso are indeed more than easy enough to figure out from the context, but I actually had to look up one of the French words used in a dictionary, the word "zinzolin." Now from Joan Yolleck’s narrative, I was quite positive that "zinzolin" likely was describing a type of colour (which it in fact did), but I of course wanted to be sure of my assumption. But even though having to look up a few words in a dictionary is not in any way a major problem for me, if this were to happen whilst reading a picture book aloud to a child or a group of children, it could easily disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Finally, and on a more personal (and annoyed) level, I also really do wish that Joan Yolleck had not simply in Paris in the Spring With Picasso described Alice B. Toklas as being Gertrude Stein's so-called best friend. For the two of them were most certainly a romantic couple, and in my opinion, even the author's words and vocabulary choices clearly demonstrate this. And yes, in this day and age, we should really be enlightened enough and brave enough to consider Alice B. Toklas as Gertrude Stein's partner, as her spouse. And indeed, claiming Alice B. Toklas as Gertrude Stein's best friend not only somewhat trivialises their entire relationship, it also gives a false or a potentially false image of their relationship to children reading Paris in the Spring With Picasso or having it read to them. And while I would and do still strongly recommend this book to and for older children interested in the art and artists of the early 20th century, if I were reading Paris in the Spring With Picasso with or to children, you bet that I would most definitely comment on and discuss my issues regarding Yolleck’s textual description of the relationship between Alice B. Toklas and Getrude Stein with them.
July 7, 2018
This is the story of all the amazing people who became friends and artists during the 1920's in Paris. Told in the present tense, the story will take you right inside a day with all these people. The illustrations are beautifully reminiscent of Picasso's work.
April 25, 2010
This is a book that I thought was going to be right up my alley and perhaps as a collector's item for French majors, it succeeds. But even my literature clogged memory had to wrestle quite a bit to recall the works of Guillaume Apollinarie. Having made numerous personal pilgrimages to Shakespeare and Co. in Paris, I truly embraced the spirit of this book. I can only imagine the dazed look on a child's face after reading this though. One has the sense that these artists and writers were "somebody?" but the meander through early 20th century Paris does not communicate too much unless you are already familiar with the personalities here. So, "good on ya" for folks in the know and a "wha?" for younger readers who really will have no idea what this is about.
I DID adore Marjorie Priceman's illustrations, elles sont tout à fait géniales et très beaux!
I DID adore Marjorie Priceman's illustrations, elles sont tout à fait géniales et très beaux!
January 31, 2018
I would have liked this book a lot more if the author explicitly stated that Alice B. Toklas was more than just Gertrude Stein's "best friend."
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February 7, 2012Reviewed by Senta Ross
Ahhhh! Paris in the springtime... or anytime! Many have heard about, and perhaps have even experienced, the beauty and culture of this magnificent city. Few, however, will have had the pleasure of meeting its greatest artists. This is about to change! When you enter Paris in the Spring with Picasso, you will be transported back to the early 1900s and find yourself spending a day in the company of a most diverse group of artists and writers. Stroll with Guillaume Apollinaire along the avenues as he witnesses a street acrobat and composes a poem. Visit Max Jacob in his run-down apartment as he reminisces about his father’s tailor shop, then head upstairs to admire Pablo Picasso painting a masterpiece in his studio. In the evening accompany the trio to a gathering at the gracious home of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.
Author Joan Yolleck has diligently researched this captivating group of Bohemians. With vivid descriptions, expressed in the present-tense voice of a narrator, she brings them to life with her miniature character portraits. In her introduction Yolleck writes, “How did they spend their day as they looked forward to a soiree at Gertrude’s? The story that follows is what I imagined. And though I made it up, all the characters are real, and I’d like to think everything could have happened... during a magical time in Paris.” And magical it is! Readers will feel as if they have been given the gift of a private tour led by an individual who just happens to know the intellectual elite.
American artist Marjorie Priceman’s gouache and ink illustrations are uninhibited and spirited. Her joie-de vivre style well reflects the energy of the characters, as well as the magnificence of Paris. Note the black cat which follows the action everywhere.
“Que t’imagine, my friend?” the narrator concludes. “What do you dream they will say?” After such a wonderful outing it is, sadly, time for the reader to return to present reality. However, we will long remember our rendezvous with Picasso and his friends, and our walks up and down those avenues in beautiful Paris. C’est la vie!
Canadian Children's Book News (Spring 2010, Vol. 33, No. 2)
Ahhhh! Paris in the springtime... or anytime! Many have heard about, and perhaps have even experienced, the beauty and culture of this magnificent city. Few, however, will have had the pleasure of meeting its greatest artists. This is about to change! When you enter Paris in the Spring with Picasso, you will be transported back to the early 1900s and find yourself spending a day in the company of a most diverse group of artists and writers. Stroll with Guillaume Apollinaire along the avenues as he witnesses a street acrobat and composes a poem. Visit Max Jacob in his run-down apartment as he reminisces about his father’s tailor shop, then head upstairs to admire Pablo Picasso painting a masterpiece in his studio. In the evening accompany the trio to a gathering at the gracious home of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.
Author Joan Yolleck has diligently researched this captivating group of Bohemians. With vivid descriptions, expressed in the present-tense voice of a narrator, she brings them to life with her miniature character portraits. In her introduction Yolleck writes, “How did they spend their day as they looked forward to a soiree at Gertrude’s? The story that follows is what I imagined. And though I made it up, all the characters are real, and I’d like to think everything could have happened... during a magical time in Paris.” And magical it is! Readers will feel as if they have been given the gift of a private tour led by an individual who just happens to know the intellectual elite.
American artist Marjorie Priceman’s gouache and ink illustrations are uninhibited and spirited. Her joie-de vivre style well reflects the energy of the characters, as well as the magnificence of Paris. Note the black cat which follows the action everywhere.
“Que t’imagine, my friend?” the narrator concludes. “What do you dream they will say?” After such a wonderful outing it is, sadly, time for the reader to return to present reality. However, we will long remember our rendezvous with Picasso and his friends, and our walks up and down those avenues in beautiful Paris. C’est la vie!
Canadian Children's Book News (Spring 2010, Vol. 33, No. 2)
November 5, 2012
Here's the thing about this book: it doesn't make much sense. I mean, I get it--we're following a cat through the streets of Paris, getting glimpses of different people who are getting ready to go to a party at Gertrude Stein's house. But, there are just too many problems. The title has little to do with the book; Picasso is just one of the array of people mentioned in the book. The story is kind of all over the place. It's not very cohesive. I understand that the author was trying to move us smoothly from one place and character to the next, but I don't think she achieved her goal very well. The story is rife with interruptions from our feline narrator, who sometimes speaks in French, sometimes in English, and sometimes repeats herself in both languages. There's little consistency.
Also, as a personal pet peeve, Alice B. Toklas is referred to as Stein's "best friend." Come on, let's call it like it is. They were girlfriends, life partners, lovers, lesbians, a couple that were denied basic legal rights as a couple... not "best friends." I think you need to be honest with kids about this kind of stuff and not try to gloss over it.
As an adult, it piqued my interest in reading more about some of the characters mentioned. But, I just don't think kids would respond very well to it.
On a positive note, I love the illustrations (watercolor and marker), and the book really made me want to read more about Stein, Toklas, Max Jacob, and Guillaume Apollinaire!
Also, as a personal pet peeve, Alice B. Toklas is referred to as Stein's "best friend." Come on, let's call it like it is. They were girlfriends, life partners, lovers, lesbians, a couple that were denied basic legal rights as a couple... not "best friends." I think you need to be honest with kids about this kind of stuff and not try to gloss over it.
As an adult, it piqued my interest in reading more about some of the characters mentioned. But, I just don't think kids would respond very well to it.
On a positive note, I love the illustrations (watercolor and marker), and the book really made me want to read more about Stein, Toklas, Max Jacob, and Guillaume Apollinaire!
April 8, 2010
This is truly a beautiful book, brimming with color and activity. The main characters are Gertude Stein and her friends all gathering for a Saturday soiree. Sprinkled with French words and phrases, it is a delight---for an adult reader. I cannot anticipate a circumstance when a child will truly enjoy reading it although would certainly enjoy looking at the beautiful illustrations. I can see it used for middle or high school French students perhaps, because it truly captures the mood of Paris in Stein's time.
December 11, 2017
This is an excellent picture book. It has a strong vocabulary and incorporates elements of French words and French culture. There also are a variety of characters, so the students will have to be paying attention to follow along. Also, it is an easy way to teach students a little bit of the background and history of some famous French people.
June 16, 2017
Cute story about the artists, writers, and other famous folks that lived in Paris back in its heyday. Describes a fictional "day in the life of" these people and how they come together in the evening. Backmatter describing who these people area and what made them famous.
January 12, 2021
I read this book with my 6yo as part of her #passportaroundtheworld. It's not one I'd recommend. The story revolves around five artists preparing to attend a party in the evening. There's really not much about Paris or France, and although it was subtle enough that my daughter didn't even notice it, the story included references to a lesbian relationship and Picasso's painting "Two Nudes." Not the content I was looking for in a children's story about Paris, France.
October 8, 2024
I thought the idea for this story was cool, which is what Gertrude Stein's friends were doing during the day before they came for her soiree every Saturday night. And the art was amazing. But this book calls Alice the best friend and lifelong companion of Gertrude, like a lot of picture books do, which is annoying, particularly since Marie and Fernande are identified as Guillaume's and Pablo's girlfriends. It does have an imagined exchange between the two of them about Gertrude's writing complete with them calling each other sweetie lovie and birdie, so I guess that is something.
September 27, 2021
A lovely picture-book look at a night in Paris among Gertrude Stein's artistic companions as they all join her for a nightly soiree.
Many artists, poets, and others are mentioned in this picture book, including the famous Pablo Picasso!
Read for B&R-1st.
Many artists, poets, and others are mentioned in this picture book, including the famous Pablo Picasso!
Read for B&R-1st.
April 11, 2018
This is a children's book - but so much more than a children's book!
This is a trip to Gertrude Stein's salon! With Picasso! So worth the read.
This is a trip to Gertrude Stein's salon! With Picasso! So worth the read.
January 29, 2020
I pick this story because i love the way of painting by artist Marjorie Priceman
December 22, 2020
I love the dreamy illustrations in this book. This is a fictional account but introduces the many artists who lived and inspired each other in 1920s Paris.
September 9, 2021
Good for introducing a different culture. I admired the incorporation of another language into the book. The bold colors on every page would catch the attention of young readers.
December 7, 2021
I enjoyed the art in this book. This would be great for students to create art similar to the illustrations after reading!
April 3, 2022
Beautifully illustrated, but I was disappointed that this book, published in 2010, erased the relationship between Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.
August 28, 2022
Man, I hate to say bad things about books. But this one was painful. My kids asked me to stop reading it. They never do that. 2 stars for the beautiful art.
November 19, 2024
This is a great book to teach students about the artist Pablo Picasso and some of his life in Paris!
April 30, 2025
Beautifully illustrated. A bit long though. Might be better for fifth graders and upper grades after researching each of the famous artists and writers in the story. Not a lot of detail on each.
March 21, 2017
I liked the "about the book" section. It is a great art history book and has information on Picasso and Paris!
March 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and the illustrations. I chose this book because I wanted to find books that gave you a taste of a different cultures. The illustrations and the story does give you an experience of walking down the streets of Paris in the spring. The illustrations are very colorful and some parts are abstract giving you a sense of the art work found in Paris or done by Picasso. This book also shares some very basic french vocab and common sayings with the reader. I enjoyed learning how to say 'Hello, how are you today' and other common sayings. The language added just another way to experience the culture. I believe the illustrations accompanied the story and showed how beautiful Paris is. Although the images are more like sketches all the people have enough detail that you get a sense of style and you can see the busy city, but also all the beautiful details Paris has to offer. The books mission was to take the reader on an experience that felt like a day spent in the magical time in Paris, and the author accomplished this. The story takes you along as you feel as if you are walking down the streets of Paris in spring. But the part I enjoyed most about this book was the illustrations. I looked through the book several times just focusing on the installations and all the detail that it gave about how beautiful Paris was and the personalities it held.
October 22, 2014
Paris in the Spring with Picasso is not your average historical fiction book. From the very first page you are taken on an adventure through the streets of a beautiful spring in Paris to meet French artists, writers, and musicians. From Apollinaire to Picasso we see into the enchanting everyday life of these well known artists. From the eye popping and gorgeous illustrations to the French lesson this book is sure to entertain.
Paris becomes even more majestic through the eyes of these artists and through the magnificent illustrations, which include sketches of historical landmarks. Every page is a rich story and very Picasso-esque. It uses innovative techniques much like the artists it embodies and switches up text locations and even the way the picture sits on the page, from vertical to horizontal. It goes less into the lives of the famous artists but more into how their art made it’s way around Paris and what it would’ve looked like to watch them create their masterpieces. This instant Parisian classic is sure to please.
Paris becomes even more majestic through the eyes of these artists and through the magnificent illustrations, which include sketches of historical landmarks. Every page is a rich story and very Picasso-esque. It uses innovative techniques much like the artists it embodies and switches up text locations and even the way the picture sits on the page, from vertical to horizontal. It goes less into the lives of the famous artists but more into how their art made it’s way around Paris and what it would’ve looked like to watch them create their masterpieces. This instant Parisian classic is sure to please.
March 27, 2011
This is a children's book that isn't really for children. Certainly, children will enjoy the bright, whimsical illustrations and may enjoy learning about Paris and all the comings and goings of the people there. However, those who know nothing of the writers and artists who thrived in Paris in the period after World War I will not be able to fully appreciate the story. You must be familiar with Picasso, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas and others to really understand the significance of the book. There are brief biographies of the characters in the back of the text, but these don't really give the literary and artistic context necessary. Still, this is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of art, literature, and the French language.
April 29, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this imaginary book of Picasso and his friends in Paris. The book is filled with color, French words and written with a certain "je ne sais quoi". Perhaps I found it more interesting than some might but it brought memories of Paris to mind and I enjoyed telling my son of the places I visited. I think its a great conversation starter for parents, or maybe just for me.
If you are interested in art, speak a little French and have visited Paris, I'm sure you will find this book as enjoyable to read to your children as I did.
If you are interested in art, speak a little French and have visited Paris, I'm sure you will find this book as enjoyable to read to your children as I did.
December 12, 2011
This was an interesting book. It was about real people - Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein, Max Jacob, Guillaume Apollinaire, and Alice Toklas. The people were real but the author admits he made up the story about them having a party together. Children could read this story and learn what each of those people are famous for. They could also learn a few French phrases as the author incorporates them throughout the book.
May 11, 2013
Loved the illustrations, but the text was written in such a boring way that both my four-year-old daughter and I lost interest long before the conclusion. It also seemed that the book ended just where it could have been most interesting. Cheers to the author for attempting to introduce young children to the artistic movers and shakers of Paris in the early 1900s (e.g. Gertrude Stein, Picasso, Jacob)--the effort just fell a little flat.
April 26, 2015
A great historical fiction story for children of 4th grade and above. The story is about Picasso and some of his famous friends getting ready to go to a party where they all meet. This is a great book to use to begin a lesson about artists, musicians and writers. The story also has French vocabulary so I would recommend it children in 5th grade and up. The book has beautiful illustrations that reminded me a lot of Picasso’s paintings. The book takes you into a trip around streets in Paris.
April 12, 2010
Gorgeous, evocative, informative... but most likely more for adults than kids. The narrative is confusing- yes, I think it's meant to be that way in a crazy, creative, over-flowing inter-connectedness like the people and time period profiled was, but even to my 9-year-olds it was a little TOO. The artwork should get six stars however- Marjorie Priceman is amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews