“Claude”
By Phyllis Harris. Illustrated by the author. May 2026. 32p. Familius. K-Grade 2.
There are only three words but plenty of meaning in this frolicsome, Claude Monet–adjacent picture book. We first meet a little, black-haired girl and her white puppy, whose collar is inscribed “Claude,” as they stand in front of an explosively colorful painting by Monet, “Poppy Field Near Vétheuil“ (identified in the book’s back matter). The other two words in the book, “Claude Monet,” hang next to the painting. The action moves from museum to home as the puppy follows the girl and she puts a sheet of paper on an easel. A cartoon thought bubble shows part of Monet’s poppy field as the girl makes a few blue lines. Claude the dog comically drives the action as he brings back his leash, then a ball and then gets a bad case of the zoomies, upsetting the paint pots and spattering colors all over itself, the girl, the carpet, and the unfinished painting. The illustrations use heavy black outlines for the girl, dog, and easel before the paints start to fly all over. The result? A wonderful, paw print–filled impression of Monet’s poppy field. Kids will love the messy, chaotic fun. With a great message about accepting the unexpected as part of being creative, this makes a wonderful introduction to one of Monet’s exquisite poppy field paintings.—Connie Fletcher
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