Published by Random House Studio on April 28, 2026
Pages: 39
Genres: Adventure, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review

Vincent van Gogh feels artistically stifled until a small dog steals his paint brush and shows him the beauty he’s overlooked in this fictionalized story. The naughty pup leads Van Gogh on a chase through the places found in his artworks, such as bright yellow sunflowers and the famed  Night Café. After the dog’s antics necessitate a rescue from the river under a starry night sky, Van Gogh returns home bursting with ideas. Altogether, the adventurous duo introduces nine different paintings, reproduced as a mini art gallery on the last page. Although there is no  note mentioning if Vincent actually owned a dog, readers will fall in love with this speckled pup named Sunny. The illustrator replicates Van Gogh’s style using dabbed lines, swirls, and spirals. This would be a fun book for children to read prior to visiting an art museum. It could be paired with Cat Nap by Brian Lies. Younger children will enjoy the dog’s antics but older ones who are familiar with Van Gogh’s paintings will more fully appreciate the book.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library