Editorial Reviews

Young Kate Millet is the model for the painting John Singer Sargent is working on in her parents' garden. Everyone says she is posing so well, even though she finds it very hard to stand still. Then one of her father's friends arrives with his two daughters. They're older, taller and have lighter hair than Kate. Sargent decides to use them instead. Kate is devastated.

Based on numerous letters and recollections from the period, Hugh Brewster's story describes Kate's disappointment, the many difficulties experienced by the painter through the long artistic process, Kate's reconciliation with him and how she is immortalized on canvas after all.

Illustrated with over thirty-five of Sargent's paintings and sketches, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose recreates the 1880s milieu of the famed American painter during an extended trip to England, and the thoughts and days of a girl who was there alongside him.

Customer Reviews

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose:The Story of a Painting, 2007-09-13
by Laurie McGaw

This book is a treasure! For children, and adults too, it's a charming, authentic view into the world of John Singer Sargent: the artistic genius. (Sargent's work inspires me, as an artist, on a daily basis.) Hugh Brewster has succeeded in making the story natural and real...the voice of young Kate is convincing. Beautifully designed by Gordon Sibley, it is a perfect gift book for art lovers of all ages. As an illustrator, I have had the pleasure of working with both Hugh and Gord on a number of books for children, including the award-winning 'Polar The Titanic Bear', and more recently 'African Princess'. Congratulations on creating another winner!

Magical -a great read for little girls, 2007-09-08
by J. Szeto-meiers

The book is well written and magical. It is now my daughter's favourite book and it has become one of her " must-read" before bed. The storyline is interesting and well thought out. What a great way to introduce our young generation to art and history.