CEZANNE'S PARROT

An inspiring picture book biography of the artist Paul Cezanne, the painter who laid the groundwork for modern art and whom Pablo Picasso declared "the father of us all."

All Cezanne wants is to be a great painter like his friends Monet, Pissarro, and Renoir. But when he shows his works, the professors, the critics, and the collectors all dismiss him: "Too flat!" "Too much paint!" "These are rough and unfinished!" Even his own pet parrot, Bisou, can't be brought to say, "Cezanne is a great painter!" And who can blame them? Cezanne doesn't care about tradition, and he doesn't follow the rules. He's painting in a way no one else has done before, creating something completely new--and he's destined to change the world of art forever. Cezanne's Parrot is a spirited celebration of creativity, determination, and perseverance--and the artist who would become known as the father of modern art.

Amy Guglielmo is an artist, an arts educator, and an arts advocate. She has co-authored the picture books Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, winner of the Christopher Award, and How to Build a Hug: Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine. She is also the co-author of the Touch the Art series of novelty board books featuring famous works of art with tactile additions. She lives in upstate New York. Visit her at amyguglielmo.com or on Twitter @amyguglielmo.

Brett Helquist has illustrated many books for children, including the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. He lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more at bretthelquist.com and on Twitter at @BHelquist.