‘Have nature as your teacher’
A lovely short story about the life and works of Antoni Gaudi. The colorful illustrations appeal to the imagination. The images in this book make you curious about Gaudi's work.

This book would make a wonderful addition to your art classes or workshops. You read about the background of Gaudi, who was not always healthy, but discovered he could dream, design and create things like no other. All over message of this book: chase your dreams, they make the world a better place.

A big thanks to NetGalley and publisher for providing this book.

back in 2018. It is a true testament to his talent and to his faith. His attention to every little detail is astounding. As it finally nears completion, I hope to visit again some day.

This book, meant for young readers, is a beautiful testament to Gaudi’s history and talent. He sacrificed a great deal to bring his vision to life. The illustrations are lovely, colorful and a little bit primitive.

I do take issue with the line in the book that says that Gaudi left no plans for the completion of the Cathedral. He actually left detailed 3D models so his vision could be continued. Many of these models and plans were destroyed during a period of civil unrest in Spain, however.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Discussion of how Gaudi was criticized and mocked, and a bit on his illness. Discussion of religion and faith.

Who Might Like This Book:
If you have ever seen the Sagrada Familia in person, give this book a tray—even if you’re a little older than the target demographic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2023/04/more-books-for-younger-set.html

This is a beautiful picture book. My seven-year-old and two-year-old both enjoyed leafing through it and admiring the colorful pictures of Gaudi’s life. I’m not sure how much they understood of his architecture, but they definitely liked the pictures. I had never heard of Gaudi before seeing this book, but it is one I would love to have on our shelf.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I thought this was a good introduction to an architect that kids (probably) don't know about? I really enjoyed this, the colors reminded me of Parque Guell (I visited many years ago).

A Gem!

An exciting children’s book introducing the magic of who architect Antonio Gaudi was. Informative, well presented in a picture book format, this is a great launch for various aspects of the curricula. I can see it being used in a variety of ways with children. Needless to say, Katz’s storyline gives visceral understanding to the journey of this extraordinary man from childhood, encompassing his architectural vision, and supported by Linda Scharwalbe’s wonderful illustrations. Reading it is sheer pleasure.

A North Side Books ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The work of Gaudi is well described. The illustrations convey the complexity of his work. This is an excellent picture book for older children.

Thank you to the North South Books and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this wonderful book. This beautifully illustrated biography, highlights Antoni Gaudí - a Catalan architect- and curved lines he is so known for. Whimsical, colorful illustrations mimic Gaudi’s daring style, while the text reinforces the importance of following one’s dreams. Looking forward to sharing this great book with my students.

I absolutely loved this book! Gaudí has always been an inspiration to me. His art and architecture was the main reason I wanted to visit Barcelona (and now, I want to go back). I loved how the pictured in this book mirrored the colors and style of Gaudí’s art. I definitely wish to purchase this book in the near future and use it in my classroom. Thank you for the ARC!

review posted on Instagram at lizzies_little_library_

Gaudi is an artist that I had always wanted to learn more about and haven’t yet. When we lived in Europe, Barcelona was on the list of places I wanted to see. Sadly, we didn’t manage to get there. This book was chosen so I could learn more about the artist himself. Unfortunately, it only ignited my desire to see the city. What a wonderful history of such a famous Spanish architect and artist.
This book is also great for children who feel left out as Gaudi’s youth was one of solitude.
I would recommend this book and especially if one is taking a child to Barcelona as it has a map in it with many of the buildings Gaudi designed.

This beautifully illustrated book does credit to Gaudi’s love of shape and his architecture. It tells the story of Guadi from his youth to his death in a straightforward manner. Young readers learn how Gaudi was unable to go to school because he could not walk freely for many years. During his early years, the young Gaudi spent time in nature and came to appreciate the forms that he saw there, especially curved lines.

Gaudi overcame his disability enough to enroll in university. When he graduated, it was thought that possibly he was a genius (or not). Gaudi became an architect with his own colorful, unique vision. His buildings, cathedral and parks are still popular attractions in Barcelona.

Budding architects may well take inspiration from this story of a man who did things his own way with vision and determination. He forever changed the face of Barcelona.

Many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Extraordinary guache illustrated biography of Antonio Gaudi telling his story from childhood to death. His amazing visionary perception of the world and how truly it was for architects are still figuring out the Familia Sagrada structure. Great illustration design. I love the illustrated added more information about his life than the text. Well done.

This engaging account of the architect responsible for some of the most interesting buildings in Barcelona, Spain., including those in the Park Gűell, explains some of the factors that led Gaudi to focus many of his designs on the curve. A wonderful introduction in a picture book for older readers about what might inspire an artist's work.

A great book for children who love art (and really for all children)! This tells the story of Gaudi including his childhood and how he started to create the mosaics he is known for. I learned a lot I never knew about him! So interesting! Plus the illustrations in the book are great!

This is a nice introduction to Gaudi and his work. The art work is interesting and text tells select parts of his life.

The illustrations in the book are bright and clever. They show some of Gaudi’s architectural works of art in an almost Picasso-like way. (Maybe Gaudi had an influence on Picasso. ) The story of Antoni Gaudi’s life is conveyed in a way that would appeal to a third-grade student. In my opinion, it has terms that most children ages 4-6 wouldn’t understand like (going) “so over budget”.

I enjoyed the book, but I’ve studied Gaudi so I’m familiar with his works. The back of the book gave me the idea that it would be the perfect book to tell the story of those with disabilities or autism can achieve great things in life. It started out in that vein, but then goes on to say more about his works. He definitely was a genius with original ideas for buildings.

I received a copy of this book for my opinion.

Even though I am already an adult architecture student, I had a lot of fun with this book. And I am convinced that it will give the children the same amount of joy. It's written in a very fun, chatty and inspiring way. Ah and those gorgeous rich illustrations! They fit perfectly with Gaudi's style
Btw I would like to see more biographies of architects in this edition for children

Being an architecture student I absolutely had to read this book even if it was meant for little kids. Reading this gave me major flashbacks to all the time we spent studying Gaudí back in my first year. I loved the illustrations and I’m sure kids will too! This book is an excellent way to teach them and maybe get them interested in art, design or architecture.
Many thanks to Netgalley and North South Books Inc. for the ARC of this book!

Antoni Gaudí's architecture only came on my radar when my family and I visited Barcelona some years back. His works of art especially the Sacrada Familia really blew my mind.

I was glad to be given a chance to read a bit about his life, even though it is a children's book. The writing probably could have been improved for better reading. The illustrations are colorful, whimsical and relevant, and reminds me of paper cut-outs.

A short and sweet story about the importance of being different and thinking out of the box. A reminder that you should never be afraid to unleash your inner Gaudi!

I liked it, but I felt like it was missing something. More about Gaudi's dreams maybe? Or more of his buildings and how they looked and why they are so unique? That said, it is a really pretty book that I'm sure will spark creativity in kids.