This one didn't work too well for me. A girl who is afraid to admit she wants to be an artist because she's named after Joan of Arc? Does she really think her parents expect her to grow up to be a French warrior? Why don't we see her discussing her name with her mom and dad?

I know the message is to be brave, and be yourself, but there are many, much better books out there on these topics.

The issue with this book is its grossly digitized artwork. The story is a delight, but the illustrations - blocky and unnuanced - take away from any narrative merit.

This was a great story with a wonderful message with great illustrations to draw in readers. It was told in a way that is understandable to young children.

I love anything with art and it was cleaver how they tied an historical figure to it. The format was a bit odd though. Might have been my e-reader, but the storyline was cute.

I had mixed feelings about this one. I loved the colorful artwork and I liked the information we learned about Joan of Arc. The extra Joan of Arc facts provided in the back of the book would be a great jumping off point for a larger discussion about influential women. Unfortunately, the premise and pace of the story was a bit weird for me. The storytelling was a bit all over the place for me which would make me less inclined to use it for a storytime; my littles would struggle to follow. It was also hard for me to get behind the idea of a child being embarrassed/upset that she wasn't named after a famous artist or that she would hide her desire to be an artist from her friends. I fell in love with the cover and the other illustrations were just as wonderful, so I was sad that I didn't enjoy the story more.

The illustrations are very nice and the idea behind this title is lovely as well but there are pages that make no sense at all and some questions are simply ignored like why she was keeping the origin of her name a secret.

I really wanted to love this book, but both I and my son lost interest very fast.
the idea and concept for the narrative are amazing but for some reason, we didn't feel drawn to it.
The illustrations were cute.

*Received as a free ARC*
Message is good (be yourself) but the whole art, Joan of Arc, Joan of Art thing feels a little clumsy and forced. Still, a solid contribution to a children's collection.

'Joan of Art' by Lesa Engelthaler is cute story about a young girl who wants to live up her name and be bold. Since the content of the story was a little over my preschoolers heads and grasping the concepts, I focused more on other points in the story and helped them understand by talking about the pictures with story telling. Because the pictures/illustrations are bright and easy to follow along with the story this helped immensely with keeping their attention and loved the book after I adapted the book for them!

Thank you NetGalley, Church Publishing Incorporated, and Lesa Engelthaler for an eARC copy of Jon of Art.

‘Joan of Art’ by Lesa Engelthaler is a beautifully crafted story that emphasizes the importance of embracing the power of your name while staying true to yourself. This book offers a heartwarming narrative that resonates with children and adults alike, teaching valuable lessons through its engaging plot and delightful characters.

Plot: ★★★★★

The plot of ‘Joan of Art’ is beautiful and touching. It follows Joan as she learns to embrace the power of her name and stay true to herself, despite external pressures. The story is well-paced and delivers a powerful message in a way that is accessible and meaningful for young readers.

Character: ★★★★☆

The characters in this book are lovely and well-developed. Joan is an adorable protagonist whose journey is both relatable and inspiring. Her friends are very sweet and supportive, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the theme of friendship and self-acceptance.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆

The illustrations in ‘Joan of Art’ are gorgeous and perfectly aligned with the plot. They beautifully capture the emotions and themes of the story, adding an extra layer of engagement and enjoyment for readers. The artwork complements the narrative, making the book visually appealing.

Engagement: ★★★★☆

The engagement level of this book is quite high. The story is captivating and the characters are endearing, which helps to keep young readers hooked from start to finish. The themes of self-acceptance and the power of names are presented in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability of ‘Joan of Art’ is excellent. The language is clear and age-appropriate, making it easy for young readers to understand and follow. The narrative flows smoothly, ensuring that children can read and enjoy the story with minimal difficulty.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆

‘Joan of Art’ is a very enjoyable read. The combination of a touching plot, lovable characters, and beautiful illustrations makes it a delightful book for children. The positive message and engaging storytelling ensure that it is a book that children will want to read again and again.


‘Joan of Art’ by Lesa Engelthaler is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated story that teaches the importance of embracing one's name and staying true to oneself. With its lovely characters, engaging plot, and gorgeous illustrations, it is a book that will captivate and inspire young readers. This delightful read is sure to become a favourite for both children and parents alike.

An inspirational book for children where Joan, a child who loves art, tells her friends about who is she named after, Joan of Arc. She is sad because she doesn't connect to the warrior. But her friends help her see who is born to be.

The book is enjoyable for young readers. At points the dialogue felt stale but overall the book is a great read!

The art style of the book is great! The bold colors are engaging for young readers.

The book includes information about Joan of Arc at the end. I really enjoyed this inclusion.

Joan of Art by Lesa Engelthaler is a heartwarming and empowering children's book that celebrates the importance of self-expression and the courage to be true to oneself. Through the endearing character of Joan, young readers are invited to embark on a journey of discovery and self-affirmation.

The narrative follows nine-year-old Joan, a quirky and artistic young girl who dreams of becoming an artist but struggles to share her passion with others. Fearing judgment and ridicule, Joan keeps her drawings hidden away until a school assignment leads her to learn about the remarkable achievements of her namesake, Saint Joan of Arc. Inspired by the bravery of her medieval counterpart, young Joan must confront her fears and find the courage to embrace her creative nature.

Lesa Engelthaler's prose is tender and heartfelt, capturing Joan's internal struggles with empathy and authenticity. Through Joan's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and finding the strength to pursue one's dreams, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt.

The lush illustrations accompanying the text further enhance the storytelling, bringing Joan's world to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters. Each illustration is lovingly rendered, inviting readers to immerse themselves in Joan's creative process and root for her as she finds her way.

While Joan of Art delivers an essential message about self-expression and bravery, some readers may find the story's pacing slow, and the resolution may feel somewhat predictable. Additionally, while the book's themes are universal and relatable, its appeal may be particularly resonant for young artists and creative spirits.

Overall, Joan of Art is a touching and empowering story encouraging young readers to embrace their passions and be true to themselves. With its timeless message and engaging storytelling, this book will inspire and uplift readers of all ages for future generations.

While a sweet tale with a little bit of biography about Joan of Arc, it wasn't what I hoped it to be in terms of a message.

Hmmm… Book about a girl with art running through her veins, and that is named after Joan of Arc. The issue is, she can't relate with the warrior and leader that carries that name. The issue is also you expect evidence about her being named from Joan Miro or someone else, as a twist, meaning the cheesy final beat of affirmation is a bit on the weak side. So yes, it has a tiny lesson about La Pucelle, and an agreeable look at supportive friends, but when it comes to story seems to have something lacking. That said, the visuals prove it is done for a very young audience.

Thank you to nettalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a very cute childrens book about being your authentic self, it had a good message and pretty art.

This book is a real gem for young readers! 🌟 It encourages kids to explore the meaning behind their names, uncovering connections to famous figures and historical icons. 📚 It's all about embracing their own potential and inspiring others who share their name to do great things too! 💫

This book was fantastic for my seven year old. It became one of her favorite books for us to read together!! She talks about it all the time and asks for it every night!

Joan of Art is a beautiful story about a young girl that struggles between "living up to" her namesake and following her own personal dreams. I think this is an important lesson for people of all ages that may be struggling with following the dreams they hold onto in their hearts. In this story, Joan's friends end up playing a part in helping her to accept her own path and walk it bravely, which was also an important attribute. I would recommend this to kids of all ages but particularly those in early elementary who may be navigating the path of figuring out their own interests.

In 'Joan of Art', Lesa Engelthaler showcases the importance of being yourself. Joan has always dreamed of becoming an artist. As part of a school assignment, students had to explain why their parents gave them their names. Joan already knew who she was named after, and she didn't wish to tell anyone. She was named after Joan of Arc, the famous warrior who saved her country, France, and became a saint. She wasn't interested in becoming a warrior. It was her dream to become an artist. Because she wanted to be an artist instead of a warrior, her classmates thought she was crazy. Joan's friends knew she was a wonderful artist, so they came up with a brilliant idea! Do you have any idea what it was?

There is a great message in this book. I enjoyed the illustrations. Colorful and cheerful, they are sure to delight children. The book concludes with a two-page biography of Joan of Arc. There is a quote of hers that says, "Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well." This is a book I recommend.

Joan of Art is a visional masterpiece that tells the story not only through the words in the book but the art on the pages. My daughter is an artist and while I am not, I do everything I can to encourage her. She loved this book (8 yrs old) and we will be adding a copy to her collection. We talk about the different colors, styles, and textures throughout the pages.