Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin

Lord's debut was inspired by a young dancer from a Cambodian troupe, seen and drawn by Auguste Rodin in Paris in 1906 (the basis for his "Danseuse Cambodgienne" sketches, according to an author's note). Little Sap, a laundrywoman's niece, is chosen to train as a dancer at the palace, becomes an accomplished performer and travels to France with the troupe to perform for the Parisians. Hoshino, also making her debut, paints a winsome girl whose solemn, demure expression draws readers into her intimate world, filled with exotic poses and costumes. A set of spot illustrations explains the meaning of the hand gestures and poses of classical Cambodian dance: "Soon Little Sap learned to keep her face calm even when her insides jittered." And the juxtaposition of Little Sap's background and her new life come through fluidly in the text ("The gentle "scritch scratch" of Rodin's pencil reminded Sap of the chickens scratching in the dirt back home"). Both author and artist convincingly convey Monsieur Rodin's passion for the dancers, as well as the effect of his portraits on Sap ("No longer a simple country girl, Sap had grown into a graceful dancer, carrying her people's prayers to the heavens and her family's dreams for a better life"). The story presents a rare look at Cambodian culture through the eyes of a winning heroine. Ages 6-10. "(Apr.)" Copyright 2006 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 2-5 -This fictionalized tale is based on actual events that occurred in the early 1900s, when five- and six-year-old Cambodian girls were trained at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in the art of their country -s traditional dance. Lord describes how Little Sap, a girl from a family of poor rice farmers, wins a place in the royal dance troupe. After briefly detailing the child -s years of training, the story focuses on a trip to France, where the troupe performs before an audience that includes Auguste Rodin. Enchanted with the gracefulness of the young dancers, the artist arranges to spend two days drawing Sap and two other girls. An author -s note explains that the real sketches, with color washes added, were exhibited in 1907 under the title "Danseuse Cambodgienne". Hoshino -s matte acrylic paintings with pen-and-ink outlining and some paper collage contain elements of both impressionist and folk-art styles. They feature eye-pleasing shades of peach, burnt orange, soft yellow, aquamarine, and green. Images of lovely wide-eyed girls, sampan boats, and the cobblestoned courtyard of a French villa draw readers into Little Sap -s world and expose a moment of creative inspiration. An inviting glimpse at Cambodian dance and a sweet tidbit of art history." -Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH" Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.