Lulu and her human companion, Remy, are both talented artists in their own rights, but their painting styles are quite different. Remy paints the essence of his subjects when creating their portraits while Lulu's are exquisitely detailed. When a new pair of glasses causes Remy to lose confidence in his artistic abilities, he and Lulu take one last job painting a portrait for a wealthy woman wit poor eyesight but clear vision. There is much to discuss in this picture book, including friendship, vision, art, and perspective. Who's to say which painting of someone is the most accurate? Is it the painting that looks exactly like the subject or the one that somehow distills his/her essence? The text and illustrations with their beautifully rendered tiny portraits certainly beg readers to consider these questions but do so in a humorous way. Lulu the dog finds a new owner in the struggling portrait painter, Remy. The two head out into the French countryside together looking for new clients for Remy’s work. He doesn’t get many repeat customers because of his abstract style. Lulu herself is also an artist and quietly begins to add her own meticulous and smaller paintings to the corner of Remy’s large canvasses. Her tiny art is of the subject’s pets and once the owner sees the tiny rendering, they absolutely love it. Remy quickly becomes the toast of the town, but is unaware of what is really happening. What will happen when Remy discovers that a large part of his fame is Lulu’s talent?This is a wonderfully rich picture book. The story has lots of depth to it, filled with creativity of both humans and hounds. It is a tale of friendship, of artistry, of pride and of forgiveness and acceptance. Remy is a wonderful character, bearded and smocked; he is a great blend of gruff exterior and a huge heart. Lulu herself has a wonderful delicacy that plays in delightful contrast to Remy. They are a solid pair.Most inventive in this picture book is that Hawkes did the larger illustrations, the ones with rich colors that pop on the page as well as Remy’s abstract work. Paired with his work is that of Harrison, who is an award-winning miniatures artist and her work is shown as Lulu’s. The difference in the two artists is gorgeous and striking, perfectly matching what is happening in the story itself. It’s a delight.Best for slightly older children, this book will be embraced by art teachers and art-loving children and dogs alike. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
What do You think about Remy And Lulu (2014)?
No children in story. It's about an artist and a dog. Good story and illustrations. Nice resolution.
—Hoymaganda
Lulu is man's best friend if that man is Remy! Wonderfully colorful book.
—whitkins
