Katie and the Bathers (Katie)

PreS-Gr 3 As in "Katie and the Sunflowers" (2001) and "Katie and the Mona Lisa" (1999, both Scholastic), Mayhew continues his picture-book explorations of masterpieces with this foray into the world of the Pointillists. This time, his protagonist cools off on a hot day at the museum by climbing into Georges Seurat's "Bathers at Asnieres". As she rests on the edge of the frame, it tilts, spilling water into the gallery. When the child hops over into "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" and invites a young girl to play with her in the gallery's rising water, the other figures are quick to follow. The climax features the footsteps of a guard and a last-minute save by the magic of the gentleman from Paul Signac's "Portrait of Felix Feneon". While the paintings Mayhew combines cannot actually be found in a single museum, the juxtaposition allows him to introduce famous examples of Pointillism. Acknowledgements and brief biographical notes clarify locations and present basic facts about the artists. Although Mayhew's copies are brighter and less subtle than the originals, children will get the point. The book will serve as a lighthearted introduction or follow-up to Robert Burleigh's fascinating and interactive presentation of both the artist and his controversial piece in "Seurat and La Grande Jatte" (Abrams, 2004). --Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

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