Camille and the sunflowers

Vincent, a strange but enigmatic painter, has just arrived in town – and Camille and his family are the only ones who don’t want to drive him out of it. Vincent doesn’t have any money or friends, but Camille and his family are kind to him. In return, Vincent paints them, the town, and even the sunflowers Camille gave him when he first arrived. Everyone finds Vincent’s paintings very strange and won’t buy them, but Camille thinks they are beautiful. Though Vincent must leave Camille’s town, Camille and his family are touched by the strange painter’s presence, and he in return by their unique kindness in a town full of hostile people.

A lovely story, based on some facts of Van Gough’s actual life. Though there is no mention of the ear incident, there is a very subtle allusion towards the end that might be fun for parents to spot. This book even has a little biography of Van Gough on the back flap. Beautiful book!