ABOUT THE BOOK
Marie's dream is to dance beneath the spotlight in the Paris Opera, but being neither especially pretty, nor especially talented, she finds herself only a "rat" in the chorus. Then, to make matters worse, Marie's parents, in need of money, send her off to pose for master artist Edgar Degas, "Monsieur Terrible". At first, after grueling stretches and contortions, Marie understands why he is called this. But then imagination wins over, as Degas leads her to an unforgettable pose, one that wins the heart of all Paris.
ARTIST'S NOTE
I have always loved the art of Edgar Degas, so the decision to illustrate this book was a quick and easy one. I spent months poring over Degas's pictures, reconstructing his studio on paper, and trying to understand his complex character. As the book was a sort of homage to Degas, I deliberately appropriated a number of his compositions, poses, and figures for my illustrations, which were made with acrylic paint and permanent ink on Strathmore Aquarius II paper.
Marie in Fourth Position
by Amy Littlesugar
pictures by Ian Schoenherr
Hardcover:
Philomel (September 9, 1996)
32 pages
Paperback:
Putnam Juvenile
Reprint edition (May 24, 1999)
32 pages
REVIEWS
Horn Book Guide recommended title
American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"
International Reading Association Teachers' Choice
Child Study Children's Book Committee (Bank Street College) Children's Books of the Year
Kansas State Reading Circle Selection
Ohio Teachers' and Pupils' Reading Circle Selection
"Schoenherr's oil paintings pay tribute to the impressionist's own style." – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"Illustrated with oil paintings strikingly reminiscent of those done by Degas himself, this book is a true testament to the joys and the hard work involved in the creative process. Reminiscent of both the Provensens' The Glorious Flight...and Emily Arnold McCully's Mirette on the High Wire...in its ability to bring a historical incident to life, Marie in Fourth Position has the added advantage of giving insight into the life of the artist. Overall, a fine job."
– SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)
"Schoenherr's soft, appealing pictures echo the style of Edgar Degas himself..." – DETROIT NEWS
"...warm, inviting pictures..." –NEWSWEEK
"Ian Schoenherr's impressionistic illustrations, in warm rusts and pale blues, are a perfect fit for a visit to Degas's world."
–THE NEW ADVOCATE
"...the soft, muted illustrations, reminiscent of Degas' own style, are well suited to this story." – BOOK LINKS
"Ian Schoenherr's dusky, impressionistic paintings carry the affecting story..." – SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE BOOK REVIEW
