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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Review: Thérèse Makes a Tapestry by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs, Renée Graef (Illustrator)

Step back in time to seventeenth-century Paris with Thérèse, a talented young girl who lives and works at the Gobelins Manufactory, where Europe’s greatest artisans make tapestries and luxury objects for King Louis XIV.

Even though girls are not trained on the great looms there, Thérèse practices on a small one at home and dreams of becoming a royal weaver someday. This charming story follows Thérèse as she carries out an ambitious plan with the help of family, friends, and the artisans of the Gobelins.

The intricate craft of tapestry weaving is illuminated, and surprises await Thérèse, her parents and brothers, and even the king himself.

Children’s book author Alexandra S. D.Hinrichs here breathes vivid life into a delightful tale full of fun twists and an appealing cast of characters. Original paintings by award-winning artist Renée Graef playfully illustrate the book, as well as the many steps involved in the creation of the famous Gobelins tapestries, from dying wool and making silver thread, to painting and copying the elaborate designs, to the delicate art of weaving. Thérèse’s fictional adventures are inspired by real people, the actual Gobelins Manufactory, and a beautiful tapestry that hangs today in the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Hardcover40 pages 
Expected publication: March 8th 2016 by Getty Publications
ARC from Getty Publications via Netgally
****
This is a delightful story of a young girl with ambition and drive.  Thérèse is a fictional character though the Gobelins Manufactory is real, as is King Louis XIV of France.

Thérèse isn't trained to weave but wanting to make something special for her father she undertakes a huge project.  I loved her drive and the way she worked out how to make it happen.  The book does a great job of explaining what is involved in weaving and the process of making a tapestry.

Though I read this on my iPad to appreciate the illustrations the hardcover would be the way to go.  The full page vivid pictures really brings this story to life.

The historical notes and glossary are a nice finishing touch, not just entertaining but educational as well.  Thank you to Getty Publications for an arc for review purposes.

1 comment:

  1. This sounds delightful! Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

    ReplyDelete