Books with author Helen McKean

In 1946, a Canadian girl arrives in war-scarred London to study art at the Slade School. At the same time, Bonnard ― the elderly French artist whose work first ignited her passion for painting ― looks back on his career.From the moment she lands in England, Elizabeth’s life begins to mirror Bonnard’s past experience: Bonnard’s father pressed him into a hated career in law; similarly, Elizabeth’s parents urge her to take a university degree “to fall back on” after she marries. Just as brilliant young Bonnard was swept into the exhilarating literary and artistic world of an avant-garde magazine, Elizabeth is absorbed into the quasi-communal ménage of a prominent London art dealer and his family, whose encouragement helps her achieve success as a portraitist.Their separate but parallel journeys lead both Elizabeth and Bonnard to the same revelation: public acclaim is not enough; to truly live a life governed by a peeled-eye investigation of the visible world, sacrifices must be made.

Developed from American history, this dramatization of Andrew Jackson’s boyhood is an effective and illuminating theatrical experience. Young Andy and his brother Robert are brought up by their courageous mother to “be somebody in this world.” With the American Revolutionary War raging outside their cabin door, Andy and his family find themselves swept up in the historic battle. After joining the Colonial army, Andy and Robert are taken prisoners of war by the British army and they must survive the harsh conditions of prison until their mother negotiates their release. Written by the visionary children’s theatre director, this historical play is a moving portrait of the indomitable spirit of the Jacksons and brings vividly to life the early years of the dauntless boy who became American’s seventh President.

In 1946, a Canadian girl arrives in war-scarred London to study art at the Slade School. At the same time, Bonnard ― the elderly French artist whose work first ignited her passion for painting ― looks back on his career. From the moment she lands in England, Elizabeth’s life begins to mirror Bonnard’s past experience: Bonnard’s father pressed him into a hated career in law; similarly, Elizabeth’s parents urge her to take a university degree “to fall back on” after she marries. Just as brilliant young Bonnard was swept into the exhilarating literary and artistic world of an avant-garde magazine, Elizabeth is absorbed into the quasi-communal ménage of a prominent London art dealer and his family, whose encouragement helps her achieve success as a portraitist. Their separate but parallel journeys lead both Elizabeth and Bonnard to the same revelation: public acclaim is not enough; to truly live a life governed by a peeled-eye investigation of the visible world, sacrifices must be made.