Key Selling Points
- Lena experiences realistic self-doubt about her art when she compares it to that of others but learns that artistic success takes many forms and everyone has a different and valid perspective to share through art.
- The book's immersive illustrations portray Lena and the dream whale moving through the museum in the style of famous impressionist artists.
- Educational content about art, artists and art styles makes this a great resource for schools and art classes.
- Back matter includes an index of the art pieces and artists featured in the book.
- Lena's aunt as the secondary character and artistic champion will appeal to aunts in the gift market.
- The publication of this work was supported by the cultural service of the French Embassy in Canada.
Lena loves to draw.
But when she compares her drawing of a whale to her aunt's realistic tattoo, she can't help but think that the drawing she was so proud of is babyish in comparison. She tears it to pieces in frustration.
That night in her dreams, Lena soars through the skies on a whale's back. The whale takes her to a museum, where they explore the works of great artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Gradually, she begins to see that although these famous artists could paint or draw accurately if they wanted to, they chose to instead channel their inner child and carefree spirit. When Lena awakes, she understands that her drawing was a masterpiece of its own. Luckily, her aunt found a way to preserve it forever.
In this immersive picture book, Lena compares her art to someone else's and feels discouraged—until a whale in her dream takes her on an adventure to study modern art and she rediscovers her passion.
