Youth Services Book Review
"Text was brief, but informative and gave Robert Bateman's stunning photography, etchings, and paintings the limelight they deserved throughout the story."
The Horn Book Online
Masterful photorealistic paintings of polar bears, puffins, and the like make for a visually absorbing picture book.
Booklist
"This handsome book will interest readers who appreciate Bateman's work and, beyond that, may inspire kids to follow their own artistic dreams."
Sal's Fiction Addiction
Bateman’s notebooks, family-album photographs, and realistic artwork provides the perfect accompaniment to the story told. Ever a conservationist, this book pays homage to his tireless work, his incredible artistic legacy, and his enduing fascination with the world.
Quill & Quire
"Immersive…The many fine details in the images alone are a commentary on [Bateman's] work ethic, as well as his respect and passion for his subjects…Bateman's conservationist philosophy comes across clearly…[and] is offered as a rallying cry for us all."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Great for sharing…The basic details and highly visual presentation of Robert Bateman: The Boy Who Painted Nature will introduce the youngest listeners to an inspiring story before they encounter more about this acclaimed naturalist…Highly Recommended."
Resource Links
"Excellent."
Kiss the Book blog
"This is great for art classes, art lovers and those who love nature."
Booklist
"This handsome book will interest readers who appreciate Bateman's work and, beyond that, may inspire kids to follow their own artistic dreams."
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Great for sharing…The basic details and highly visual presentation of Robert Bateman: The Boy Who Painted Nature will introduce the youngest listeners to an inspiring story before they encounter more about this acclaimed naturalist…Highly Recommended."
School Library Journal
02/01/2019
PreS-Gr 1—The first illustration in this volume is of a young boy, blonde hair cut short, crouching down in a low tidal pool. His gaze is fixed on a sea star, purple against the gray rocks. This is the beginning of Robert Bateman's lifelong fascination with nature. The nonfiction picture book explores Bateman's roots and growth as an artist. Now a well-known Canadian artist and conservationist, his artistic journey began as a boy painting the birds near his home in Toronto. Each page has big colorful illustrations, depicting the various animals and landscapes Bateman has captured over his decades-long career. While this title is full of wonderful works by Bateman it also showcases his message. The subject is a recipient of the World Wildlife Fund Member of Honour Award and the Governor General's Award for Conservation. Read-alikes include When Emily Carr Met Woo by Monica Kulling and Meet the Group of Seven by David Wistow and Kelly McKinley. VERDICT A perfect fit for any children's library looking to expand their Canadian artist collection.—Meaghan Nichols, ASI Heritage, Ont.
