The Mermaid and the Parakeet: A Children’s Book Inspired by Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse once said, What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter. It’s no wonder his works are loved by children everywhere. In this charming book, Vanessa Hie and Veronique Massenot create a world based on Matisse’s vision, in which a mermaid is thrust out of the sea by a massive storm. Stranded in a tree, not knowing how she can return to her home without legs, she meets a parakeet who is so moved by her plight he finds a way to help her. Vanessa Hie’s gorgeous, deeply hued illustrations incorporate the shapes and colours found in Matisse’s original masterpiece, which is reproduced at the end of the book. Massenot’s simple but profound story of bravery and friendship is a delight to read. Together, the words and pictures tell a timeless story, while introducing young people to Matisse’s artistry. AGES: 4+ AUTHOR: Veronique Massenot is the author of novels and short stories for children. She collaborated with Vanessa Hie on The Three Musicians and is also the author of ‘The Great Wave: A Children’s Book Inspired by Hokusai’ and ‘Journey on a Cloud: A Children’s Book Inspired by Marc Chagall’ (all by Prestel).