"Carmen and Dragon, her imaginary friend, love nature, and they spend hours in the woods together in comfortable, wonder-filled companionship. So when her family announces their move to the city, Carmen resists: Could she ever feel at home in the gray, straight, stiff city? Impossible! But over the months, as she watches the city house take shape under the attentive direction of famous architect Antoní Gaudí, Carmen is won over. For in Gaudi's inspired and inventive vision, the house itself becomes a celebration of nature and an amazing work of art. And best of all, (spoiler alert!) there is even a place for Dragon! " Carmen Batlló was a real person, one of the Batlló family's five children. Little is known about her. So this story comes entirely from the author's imagination: all story details about Carmen and her family are fictional. Information about Antoní Gaudí, his work and his vision are based in fact. Many children have imaginary friends. So readers will relate to Carmen's--a large salamander named Dragon. But Carmen knows there is no place for dragons in the city, and is devastated at the thought of leaving her friend behind. Luckily, Señor Gaudí has a surprising solution. A relatable story about moving that follows Carmen from resistance and dread, to acceptance and finding home in a new place. As the story begins, Carmen sees Gaudí as an enemy because he is building her family a house in the dreary, grey, boring city. What Carmen comes to discover is that, like her, Gaudí has deep admiration for nature. Inspired by his remarkable way of seeing, Carmen comes to look at the architect and at nature in a new way, and with greater appreciation. Readers, too, will be inspired to reconsider their own ideas and perceptions, and to look around them anew, with eyes and hearts wide open. The curve of a wall, the fall and shimmer of light. A mushroom fireplace, window frames that look like bones. The spiral of a shell, the tracery of a spider web, mosaics like lilies floating on a rippling pond -- these things and more, Gaudi was able to translate from nature to his architecture. Young artists will find inspiration in this story, and an invitation to interpret the world around them with their own voice and vision. The story text includes some quotes from Gaudi that speak to his unique way of seeing. "Sunshine is the best painter." "We do not create. We discover." "There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature." These ideas will provide readers with inspiration and food for thought, and will open avenues for discussion and new ways of seeing. Informed, imaginative text, Hughes' enthusiasm and appreciation for Gaudi's work, and her empathy and understanding of Carmen's feelings and situation give the story heart. Ferrer's lush watercolors bring Gaudí's amazing vision to life with delicate, sinuous beauty. An Author's Note at the end of book provides more information about the Battló family, Gaudi, his lifelong study of nature, and how that influenced his striking architecture, with specific examples from Casa Batlló. An exciting look at the ways nature can inspire art, and how art can inspire the world."-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.