The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau
Picture Book
Ages 3-8
By Jon Agee
32 pages
FSG
1988
In The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau, Jon Agee uses simple and direct text, allowing his lavish art to convey the real action. His illustrations are drenched in rich greens, deep browns and steely grays, contained in strong, solid lines. He uses perspective in extraordinary ways and delivers an amazing, surprising ending.
The Royal Palace in Paris is holding an art contest and painters from all over the city are submitting their work. Felix Clousseau, an unknown artist, has submitted his painting of a duck, a painting that is immediately deemed ridiculous by the judges.
Then the duck—from inside the painting—quacks! Clousseau wins first prize and is hailed a genius! The King commissions an original Clousseau, as do many others.
It seems trouble follows these paintings. Clousseau’s subjects don’t like to be bound by canvas and frames and have a tendency to wander outside their confines.
The snake in the baroness’s painting winds up in her bed! In one collector’s home, a painting of a waterfall and another of a volcano wreak havoc.
The citizens of Paris are outraged and Clousseau is imprisoned. All of his paintings are seized—all, that is, except the one commissioned by the King.
Late one night, a burglar breaks into the palace to steal the King’s crown. The remaining Clousseau painting hangs above the thief’s target and it’s that painting, of a guard dog, that saves the day (and the crown)! Clousseau is a hero.
A free man again, he returns to his studio.
metan said,
November 23, 2012 @ 4:07 am
Even though both of my boys are out of the age range for this book I am sure they would still love it, especially as the dog gets to save the day
I love the artwork in this one.
paul said,
November 11, 2012 @ 3:08 am
When they were young, both of my sons loved having “The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau” read to them before bed. I’m glad to read this post and be reminded. I haven’t thought about this book and the wonderful effect it had on them for many years.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 11, 2012 @ 2:06 pm
So happy I could remind you and that you found my site.
sharann said,
November 10, 2012 @ 8:03 pm
We loved ‘Ludlow Laughs’ by Jon Agee. This one looks like it would be a hit with my kids, too. And me, too, of course.
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 10, 2012 @ 9:49 pm
I love ‘Ludlow Laughs’ too! In fact, I had intended to review that first but, much to my surprise, I don’t own a copy. A review of that book will appear at some point.
alpertchris said,
November 9, 2012 @ 11:52 am
I’ve never been able to draw like that, but the art done in children’s books always amazes me! Have you ever read the book, “The Tub People”? One of my favorites
TurtleAndRobot said,
November 9, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
I do know The Tub People and I’m a big fan of Richard Egielski’s. I think his Favorite of mine is Company’s Coming.
Honeley said,
November 9, 2012 @ 1:04 am
I like the pictures and story, i think children will also like very much.Good story and nice pictures.And thanks for your like of my post.
ideflex said,
November 8, 2012 @ 10:05 pm
And thanks for visiting!
ideflex said,
November 8, 2012 @ 10:04 pm
Even though my kids are too old to read to, I still buy and love books like this one!
nmartin said,
November 8, 2012 @ 10:02 pm
This is adorable! This is absolutely going on my list to buy.
elleturner4 said,
November 8, 2012 @ 7:54 am
What a wonderful story…really liked it. Thanks for visiting my blog and the like
malvikajaswal said,
November 8, 2012 @ 1:38 am
wow! that’s wonderful artwork and the sweetest story