Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall's Life and Art

Gr 1–4—The latest from the creators of Vincent Can't Sleep and The Noisy Paint Box is a stunning picture book that pays tribute to Marc Chagall. Captivated by the scenes of everyday life as seen "through the window," this book mimics his sometimes dreamlike and whimsical paintings through text and image. Each page reveals what Chagall might have observed as a child; Rosenstock and Grandpré pay homage to his signature artistic style, which blended traditional folklore, scenes of everyday life in his hometown of Vitebsk, and most notably, his deep Jewish faith. Later in his life, Chagall began experimenting with stained glass, producing works that emulate a sense of contemplation, peace, and healing. The illustrations capture the meditative, colorful, and sacred nature of Chagall's work while still remaining recognizable and accessible to young readers. The book excellently connects Chagall's spiritual process as an artist with the historical and social challenges he faced as a Jew at the dawn of World War I, and to this end, includes author's notes for historical context at the book's conclusion.