Henri’s Scissors
by Jeanette Winter
“Henri’s Scissors” by Jeanette Winter. Published by Simon & Schuster. An inspirational biography of Henri Matisse who created some of his finest works while being confined to a wheelchair after a serious illness during his last few years.
Henri Émile Benoît Matisse lived in a small weaving town in France as a little boy. He loved drawing and wanted to paint as well. Through his childhood, he kept drawing everywhere from sand to his books. He studied law. But his love for art did not go away. One winter, his mother gifted him a box of paints when he was sick with appendicitis. He kept painting till he was well.
After that, there was no turning back towards law for him. He left his hometown and went to Paris to become an artist. He became very popular and his paintings made him as well as other people happy. When he grew old, he fell so ill that he could not sit or paint. All he could do was to lie in bed and sleep. He was now confined to his bed or a wheelchair at the most.
What happened to his dreams of painting again? Would he spend the rest of his days feeling sad and hopeless? Would he ever have the energy to paint again? Did he find a different way of expressing his creativity? Could he draw in a different way? Read the book to know about how his passion and determination took him on a new and incredible journey of creativity and expression. The book is a testament to the power of imagination which knows no bounds.
My 7.5 year old loved reading the book and getting to know about Matisse. He appreciated the willpower of Matisse to overcome his difficulties and follow his dreams. He was amazed by how Matisse ended up producing some of his finest works in his last years. He hopes to see some of Matisse’s works in person some day!
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6+.
Reasons to Read
For an inspirational true story of willpower, determination and perseverance to follow one’s passion.
To know about how art can be created in unconventional ways and realise that imagination as well as creativity knows no bounds.