Gatsby’s Grand Adventures:Winslow Homer’s Snap the Whip
Barbara Cairns, Author
Eugene Ruble, Illustrator
Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc., Fiction, 2012
Suitable for Ages: 7-12
Themes: Cat, Art gallery, Famous paintings, Mischief
Opening:”Gatsby the cat lived in Miss Annabelle’s art gallery. At night, he had the most peculiar habit. He jumped into famous paintings.”
Synopsis: In Book 1, Gatsby was an art gallery cat who loved exploring famous paintings at night. One night his long tail twitched, his nose itched and his haunches hitched as he leaped into Winslow Homer’s Snap the Whip picture. He darted between the boy’s tripping and knocking four of them down. The boys chased Gatsby and he jumped out of the painting as the sun rose. Miss Annabelle was shocked to find the boys struggling to stand. Gatsby returned repeatedly to fix the painting, but each attempt ended in another cat-astrophe. Will Gatsby restore Homer’s painting so Miss Annabelle doesn’t think she has lost her mind?
Book 2 published 2013
Gatsby’s Grand Adventures: Auguste Renoir’s The Apple Seller
Synopsis: Ever since Gatsby leaped into his first painting, he wanted to visit another painting. When he discovered Renoir’s Apple Seller, his tail twitched, his whiskers itched and his haunches hitched. He jumped into the painting after absent-minded Miss Annabelle had gone to bed. The girls seated with the apple seller in the painting are excited to see a cat and stroked Gatsby’s head. When Jasper the dog barked at Gatsby, he ran and climbed up a tree. The girls caught their dog and Gatsby leaped out of the painting after the sun had risen. Oops! He looked back and the painting was a mess. There would be more trips to restore this picture. Poor Miss Annabelle.
Why I like these books: Barbara Cairns books introduce children to art in a fun way. Both books combine art history and education with adventure and humor. Children who enjoy animals and art will learn about an artist’s work through the adventures of a mischievous cat named Gatsby. His name suits him well because he is one cat with personality. I am sure there will be many more Gatsby adventures in this series. Eugene Ruble’s lovely pastel paintings are lively and colorful. He captures the essence of both famous artists with his own style.
Resources: The author has provided information about Homer and Renoir in the back of the book, along with helpful websites for children. For activities check out a site Cairns suggested: Art Smarts 4 Kids. These books are a great way to introduce children to famous artwork before they visit an art gallery.
Barbara Cairns is a former K-6 school teacher, a special education teacher for the deaf, and a retired elementary school principal. You can find interesting facts about Gatsby and cats on her website.
Children's Books Heal 
Thank you Patricia. I appreciate your taking the time to review my books; however, I did notice missing words. I would love to use this review. Any way would resend a copy to me with the corrections?
Thank you, Barbara
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the review. Oops! Corrections made. Even had someone check me. Sent you the URL for the review.
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Very intriguing stories, Pat. Great way to introduce art and history to kids. Very educational and fun. Great for the classroom. I’m also interested in the illustrations.
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Yes, I enjoyed Barbara’s unique stories. They are very humorous and kids will have fun with the illustrations.
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Love the idea of a mischievous cat jumping into famous paintings and changing the art. How fun! Sounds like a wonderful book. Terrific review, Pat!
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And, kids will love a great story about a very mischievous cat. Glad you enjoyed the review.
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Thanks again, Pat for a great review. I’ve already sent this copy out. I’ve enjoyed many of your thoughtful reviews and I really appreciate your time in doing this for so many of us. Here’s hoping kids will enjoy these two art-related books and look forward to more Gatsby adventures in the future. 🙂
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It was a pleasure reviewing your fun art-related stories. Kids will enjoy Gatsby’s adventures.
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Books about two of my favorite things, animals and art! Nice review, Pat!
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Thank you, Cathy. Mine too. Great art series for kids.
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Gatsby, what a great name for a cat! These books sound like fun and educational at the same time.
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Yes, I loved the name Gatsby. They are educational and a great way to introduce art.
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This sounds pretty cool! Kind of like Wishbone, the dog who goes into books!
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Glad you liked the selection, Rhythm. Bet you wished you could leap into a painting and explore. Thanks for stopping.
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What a great way to teach art. Art history is an overlooked subject. So thrilled to see that someone has picked up this theme.
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Gatsby looks a bit creepy to me. 😉 I love the idea of the book though! 🙂
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That surprises me Erik, when I think of all the books you read. Gatsby is a proud cat that holds his head high.
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Well, I just don’t like the style he was drawn in. It (to me) is a bit strange… 😉
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Isn’t that a clever idea about the cat leaping into the paintings? I can imagine how that would delight children. Good review, Patricia.
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Yes, it is a clever series. Kids will laugh at Gatsby’s antics. Thank you for visiting.
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Appreciate all the comments about Gatsby. I have entered Gatsby Book Two in the Crystal Kite Awards at SCBWI. Members can vote for Gatsby om page 2 . Thanks again, Patricia.
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You are welcome Barbara. Thanks for the reminder about the Crystal Kit Awards. Good luck!
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