This is a perfect biography text for elementary and/or middle school students. Van Gogh's story is always a point of discussion due to his mental health issues and this book does a wonderful job explaining Van Gogh's life, influence, and life challenges in an objective way. This text is a great addition to the art history library at home and school.

The Met Vincent Van Gogh: He Saw the World in Vibrant Colors by Amy Guglielmo is a beautifully illustrated picture book about the artist's life. I enjoyed learning about Vincent's life, and I imagine that children will learn a lot about Van Gogh and his artistry as well. The author did a great job of including details that children will relate to, such as questions and prompts about drawing and painting. I also liked how the author added a timeline and glossary information for readers to get a clear insight into when Van Gogh painted some of his masterpieces and what words like "Impressionists" mean. Overall, this is an excellent picture book that highlights the life of Vincent Van Gogh without depicting gory details but adds enough information to successfully portray his life. Children will enjoy responding to questions, prompts, and challenges from the book and the vibrant graphic designs and illustrations.

This is a beautifully drawn introduction to the life and art of Vincent van Gogh! I will definitely be getting this book for my library and am excited to see the work of this renowned artist being shared with this book.

I was immediately drawn to this book for the author's art style, which is absolutely lovely. The biography provided was succinctly but nicely written, with real care paid to many aspects of van Gogh's story. Highly recommended.

I have always loved Van Gogh's work, but I know of his complicated life stories. I was intrigued with this book because I wanted to see how the author would address different things like when he cut off his ear, his fight with Gauguin, and also his suicide at the end of his life. The author tried to do these in a rather straightforward, no-nonsense way. The book also focuses a lot more on Van Gogh's evolution as an artist- the change in his styles, what inspired his works, and also his relationship with his brother Theo. At the end of the book, there's a timeline with his key work (which is wonderful!). All in all, I think this book is quite text-heavy. I think it would be more suitable for older students (5th grade and up). Some discussions about mental illness and suicide might be needed before letting students read this independently.

There are several popular biography series for children, but What the Artist Saw stands out by using art to tell the artist's story, and by inviting the reader to create art of their own with prompts relating to the narrative. The book discussed van Gogh's experience with mental illness and his eventual suicide delicately and honestly. This title and its series are a welcome addition to biography collections for middle grade kids, and can be recommended to fans of Who Was? and Little People, Big Dreams.

This is a truly spectacular enrichment book for older elementary/middle school students. Van Gogh's life story is told simply, but in great detail and emphasizes what influenced and challenged him through his life. It does explicitly address his mental illness and self-harm, but in a matter-of-fact, non-judgmental way that is appropriate for young readers.

Aside from the fascinating story, there are beautiful illustrations and images of both Van Gogh's work and the work of his contemporaries. There are great creative prompts and exercises as well as a glossary of relevant art terms.

This would be a great addition to a classroom/school library and also a fantastic gift for budding artists!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Nicely written biography of Van Gogh.. Beautiful illustrations. I liked the timeline in the back of the book. It also had a glossary.

Thanks to NetGalley & DK Children's for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful illustrations, I was glad they didn't just "copy" van Gogh's art style throughout the book, it was the artist's original style, but van Gogh's original works were spread out throughout the book so we could get a better sense of his style and creativity.

I was worried how they'd handle the darker aspects of van Gogh's life, perhaps trying to simplify it or ignore it? Thankfully, the writer did a fantastic job of being honest. Vincent was a wonderful artist but had a troubled history, especially in regards to his struggle with his mental health, and the book doesn't sugar coat it. It doesn't go into too much detail either so it wouldn't scare kids off that much. Thank you for not ignoring his history and explaining his chaotic life!

Thank goodness the writer emphasized Theo and Vincent's brotherly bond, a lot of stories seem to gloss over that, but in this story, Theo is a positive influence throughout Vincent's life which was 100% true.

I appreciate the questions throughout the book to the reader, challenging them to draw what they see in the world around them, it's great for encouraging creativity!

The timeline of paintings at the end is absolutely beautiful and informative. This is a fantastic book for all ages!