You could argue that the themes of Van Gogh’s paintings – flowers, night skies – are already perfectly accessible to kids, well documented and in need of no more introduction, but this book is an absolute gem, with a great understanding of its audience. When Van Gogh is packing to leave Paris and considering how to fit all his art supplies in his bag, he exclaims: “I know… I can leave out my toothbrush and socks!” Later, painting the local postman’s portrait, he tells him to sit very still and not “jiggle your legs or wiggle your beard”. Beech’s exquisite artwork is characterful and warm, conjuring up the well-known visual elements of Van Gogh’s life, from his gingery beard to his blue bedroom, and of course those majestic sunflowers, while never falling into pastiche.