KEYNOTE: Hokusai's classic woodcut of a majestic wave becomes the starting point for a storybook children will want to read again and again. On a stormy winter's day, a baby boy, Naoki, is swept into a fisherman's boat by a great wave. Years pass, but still Naoki does not grow. Must he return to the ocean in order to become a young man? The answer arrives in the form of a mythic fish. Japanese artist Hokusai is one of the world's most celebrated printmakers. His famous woodcut, ?The Great Wave,? epitomises the artist's characteristic techniques and themes. In this children's book, the artist's masterpiece is the genesis for a simple but compelling story, beautifully illustrated in pictures that recall Hokusai's brilliant use of detail, perspective and colour. A stunning reproduction of the woodcut itself is featured in the book, supplemented by information about the artist and his work. At once modern and classic, The Great Wave introduces young readers to a beloved artist and his timeless portrayals of nature and transformation. Ages 4 and up AUTHOR: Veronique Massenot studied art history and archaeology before she started writing novels and short stories for children. Bruno Pilorget works as an illustrator and has exhibited his paintings worldwide. He lives in Brittany, France. ILLUSTRATIONS: 32 colour illustrations *
