I knew from an early age there was adventure to be found at the museum. A place full of magnificent tales and amazing journeys. Indeed, today’s book confirms it ~ Belle: The Amazing, Astonishingly Magical Journey of an Artfully Painted Lady.It all begins with a 17th-century Dutch still life (Jan Davidsz de Heem’s A Vase of Flowers, for those of you with particularly curious minds) at the National Gallery of Art. When an employee accidently jostles the painting, two small butterflies are dislodged from the canvas ~ beautiful Belle and her friend Brimstone. There begins a journey to find their way home, navigating the expansive marble halls of the museum and overcoming adversity in the guise of a very hungry bird. Along the way, Belle gives us a butterfly’s view of some of the Gallery’s most famous artworks.
You really never know where she and Brimstone will land. . . 
. . . until they find themselves back where they belong.
The book is intended for readers aged 8 to 11, but anyone with an adventurous spirit will be delighted by Belle.
I have had the pleasure of watching as Belle developed from the cocoon of an idea to a fully fledged butterfly ~ the author, Mary Lee Corlett, sits right next to me every day (my friend and colleague). I won’t tell you anything more about the process of bringing Belle to the world, because Mary Lee explains it best.
Happy reading!
All images courtesy of Bunker Hill Publishing, except: Jan Davidsz de Heem, A Vase of Flowers, c. 1660, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1961.6.1. 
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10 comments:
What a lovely book! Congratulations, Mary Lee
Sounds wonderful. Thanks so much for the introduction.
This sounds absolutely lovely!! Must add it to the list of must-have children's books I'm compiling for the Little Inkslinger!
What a wonderful inclusion. It whets my appetite...
One of the great things about being a grown up: you can read whatever you want. This sounds like a delightful book. Have added to the ever growing list.
ps my word verification: list or di. My first morning chuckle.
Anne ~ thank you! I think the wee ones in your life will enjoy it, especially since your Master R's recent introduction to the museum world.
Courtney ~ I think you in particular will enjoy it!
Inkslinger ~ you can never start a library too early :).
G ~ the illustrations are divine!
hbd ~ Indeed, indeed. I hope you get that kitchen done soon. . . it's getting to be curl-up-by-the-fire-and-read-a-good-book season.
This looks like a great choice for the pre-teen on my list: entertaining, visually-stimulating, and educational all at the same time. Thanks for the reference.
Its great looks and wonderful image. I like your post so much. You have done nice work.
tyr
dff
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