There are many intriguing books about art and artists that open up new possibilities for children and young adults.

The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary Grandpre (Knopf, 2014) is a picture book biography that examines the life and passion of Vasya Kandinsky.When Vasya's aunt gave him a paint box as a gift, the young boy discovered that he could escape "proper" expectations and create. Kadinsky felt that he heard the sounds of the colors, and his paintings were not images of objects. They were a riot of color, and throughout his life teachers and artists didn't understand his abstract art. Kadinsky's style was unique, and when the art world recognized his genius, he became an influential leader.


Susan Goldman Rubin introduces our older readers to the Wyeth family in Everybody Paints! The Lives and Art of the Wyeth Family (Chronicle, 2014). This family of artists contributed extraordinary works of American art. N.C. Wyeth's illustrations of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and Treasure Island are iconic. His son Andrew's best know work may be "Christina's World". Grandson Jamie's portraits of figures from John F. Kennedy to Andy Warhol continue the artistic family's legacy.

...Read On

This adorable little two-year-old bunny needs a new home. Seamus FitzPatrick '07 and his parents Mary Anne and Rory are downsizing from their home in Milton to an apartment in Marina Bay where they cannot have pets. They are all so sad to have to part with Alfie, who has been such a fun, friendly companion for the past two years. Alfie is small, weighing less than four pounds, and comes with all the necessary equipment, e.g. cage, toys, pen, etc. Please contact Mary Anne at maryannewalsh@comcast.net if you are interested in adopting Alfie. While their house is on the market, Alfie is in foster care at the Whites' home in Dedham, where I'm sure he'd welcome interested visitors.