Deborah Kogan Ray, author and illustrator,
Hokusai: The Man Who Painted a Mountain.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001.

I must have seen one of Hokusai's Thirtysix Views of Mount Fuji before, but I never realized how little I knew about this famous, fascinating artist until I read Hokusai: The Man Who Painted a Mountain. From her opening paragraph, author Deborah Kogan Ray captures the reader's attention with her friendly tone and beautiful paintings, and sustains interest by richly documenting Hokusai's life and times.

Although we know him as Hokusai, which means “north star studio,” this is just out of more than 30 names he used as an artist. He only created his masterful paintings of Mount Fuji at the end of a long life, and Kogan Ray takes her time getting there, beginning with Hokusai's humble beginnings in a poor suburb of Edo. She nicely shows the influence of his mother, and later his unforgiving and strict uncle. Young readers will connect to the young Hokusai as he follows his own initiative to become a master engraver.

Kogan Ray's illustrations complement Hokusai's own style without ever competing with his technique. She moves gracefully from the poor swamps and shanty-towns to the opulence of the Kabuki theater. The paintings evoke the hustle of the marketplace, the quiet stillness of the artist at work, the power of Kabuki actors, and the dreamy beauty of cherry trees in full blossom. The last name Hokusai gave himself was Gakyo Rojin, “old man mad about painting.” The idea of choosing a name to reflect your identity at specific times in your life is one that should spark discussion with any age group. There is also a time line at the back, and a bibliography for further exploration.

This is a great introduction to a brilliant and intriguing artist, and should appeal to adults and children alike. Teachers may find use for this book in the classroom, and all ages will appreciate the clear text, warm paintings, and rich detail.

Shana Bestock