HOW DREADFUL!

In this charming tale of perspective, a little moth loses faith in her own artistic skills.

On Monday, Paty the moth remembers that she has an art exhibition opening on Thursday and no art to display! In a panic, she calls up three of her friends—Isabelle the spider, Pierre the caterpillar, and Mona the shrimp—and asks them to pose for her. Unfortunately, each is incensed by the results. Poor Paty is chagrined, but before she can cancel the show, Thursday arrives, and a splendid gatefold in the book reveals an elegant gallery and creatures complimenting each of Paty’s subjects in turn. Though Isabelle, Pierre, and Mona were unable to see Paty’s brilliance, others can appreciate what they did not. At the end, young readers are encouraged to paint a portrait of their own; a blank canvas is provided, with images of insects taking selfies nearby. Ethereal brushstrokes and the lightest of tones and hues give this French import both allure and verve by turns. And while one might well wonder if a book about an art opening would be appealing to children, the need to have our creative endeavors not simply appreciated but recognized is universal.

Any child who has displayed art proudly and found it misunderstood will find a kindred soul in this utterly amiable story.