Good Books
The Art of Nurturing
Ivy F. DeShield, contributing editor
Do you have an aspiring, young artist at home? Are there quirky, colorful drawings plastered to your refrigerator, or have you been gifted recently with a striking likeness of yourself carefully crafted with Crayola crayons or markers? Whatever their levels of artistic ability, all children express themselves best through art. Yet, how many truly appreciate the beauty of the craft at such a young age and are encouraged to explore their artistic natures to the fullest?
Author of more than fifty picture books, including New York Times bestseller, The Junkyard Wonders and the tribute to good teachers everywhere, Thank you, Mr. Falker, Patricia Polacco paints a remarkable, heartfelt picture through her storytelling and artwork in The Art of Miss Chew. This sweet tale is about a young girl whose artistic talent is awakened and encouraged by Miss Chew, a high-spirited, inspiring art teacher. The title character, Miss Chew, is based upon Polacco’s beloved art teacher, Violet Chew, who “not only taught [her] how to see, but how to perceive, evaluate, and appreciate the beauty of art”. Through this charming children’s picture book, Polacco bestows the highest of honors upon her former high school art teacher and credits her past and present success in the Arts directly to the nurturing nature of this extraordinary woman.
The story’s main character, Patricia “Trisha” Barber, is a young, elementary-age Polacco who has been swept off her feet by not just one, but two dynamic teachers. The first, Mr. Donovan, a smiling, fiery red-haired, fun-loving Irishman spots Trisha’s talent for art immediately and introduces her to the head of the high school art department, the delightful Miss Chew, who Trisha adoringly describes as “radiant” in “her smock so covered in paint it was a painting in itself”. From the first, Trisha’s artistic talent blossoms rapidly under Miss Chew’s careful guidance and creative instruction which direct Trisha to view art as a “language”. Miss Chew incites all of her art students to “Take [their] sketchbooks everywhere...!” First see...then draw.” Through Miss Chew, as well as Mr. Donovan, Trisha discovers the passion and self-assurance needed to emerge from her shell and better express herself in Miss Chew’s arts program, as well as in her academic classroom. And with the assistance of her two champions, Trisha also finds the courage to stand up for herself when her artistic future is suddenly threatened.
Trisha, who is mysteriously referred to as “Theresa” by Miss Chew on their first introduction, and her wonderful experience in Polacco’s literary tribute is a prime example of the “spark” that occurs in only the rarest and best of teacher-student relationships. Miss Chew’s “Theresa” embarks on a magnificent journey of growth as she heeds Miss Chew’s instruction and learns to fluently express herself through emotions and images, gaining a better understanding of self and the world around her. Like “Theresa”, Polacco uses her magnificent, colorful illustrations to help her young readers truly envision or “see” her personal story come to life.
The Art of Miss Chew is a beautiful read for school-age children and those that simply possess the soul of a true artist. It would also make a wonderful gift for a great teacher! To nurture a child is to both love and instruct them well. And like Polacco, may we all be so lucky as to have or have had a Miss Chew in our lives. Enjoy the read!
