Charlotte in London by Joan MacPhail Knight illustrated by Melissa Sweet

This book is so charming but it was published in 2008 and so now it is sadly out of print. Charlotte in London one title from the series which includes Charlotte in Givernay, Charlotte in Paris and Charlotte in New York. Charlotte in London is the fourth book in the series. It would be lovely to have a full set of these on your home books shelves. There is quite a bit of text on each page but I think you could share these books each night as a family read aloud especially if you have some travel plans or you are going to an art gallery. 

In this book Melissa Sweet incorporates the art of fifteen famous artists and at the back of the book there is a brief biography of each. Artists such as Claude Monet; John Singer Sargent; and Joseph Turner.  This book is a lovely introduction to art and to the city of London and also into the personal diary of a little girl named Charlotte. 

Bookseller blurb: It’s 1895. Charlotte and her American family came to France three years ago so her father could learn to paint in the French Impressionist style. Now Charlotte and her parents are traveling to London to see if the famous—and very busy—artist John Singer Sargeant will paint Charlotte’s mother’s portrait. In London, Charlotte and her best friend, Lizzy, share a room at the Savoy Hotel, Charlotte decides to help track down Mr. Sargeant and records her many adventures with Lizzy: They watch fireworks on the banks of the Thames, keep an eye out for London’s legendary ghosts, find out why ravens are kept in the Tower of London, and visit Madame Tussaud’s waxworks. Illustrated with stunning museum reproductions and exquisite watercolor paintings, Charlotte in London also includes biographical sketches of the featured painters. This vibrant journal of Charlotte’s exciting journey will make any reader long for lovely, lively London.

Here is the illustration from the title page:

Charlotte’s witty voice, peppered with French phrases, resonates brightly as she relates her tour of England from the Tower of London to the Cotswold countryside and includes interesting tidbits of historical detail for readers to savor. A terrific choice for readers with an interest in art history, this is a strong, appealing story on its own. Kirkus

In this trip to London, Charlotte keeps a diary from April to September of 1895. Opening with a visit to Monet's garden at Giverny, she tells Monsieur Claude her art-loving family are off to Londres with their friends the Fosters. Lizzy Foster is Charlotte's best friend and together they can't wait to explore the British capital. Dotted with photos, illustrations, diagrams and real life paintings from the masters, Charlotte describes her journey with a true artist's eye, pointing out the colours and forms and beauty she sees as she explores the streets and River Thames. Kids' Book Review

As you read this I am about to head into London. Perhaps I will be able to enjoy a delicious meal at The savoy hotel just like Charlotte:

"I love lobster, so I ordered 'Homard Thermidor' and Lizzy had her favourite 'Supremes de Volaille' - chicken with cream sauce. And since we both like potatoes, we shared 'Pommes Anna' - a yummy French potato cake. Then out came dessert - 'crepes Suzette' - thin pancakes with orange sauce. Monsieur Ecoffier served it himself. 'Bon appetit!' he said. Enjoy your dessert! And we did!"

You can see inside this book here and read an interview with Melissa Sweet where she talks about the research she conducted for this book. 

Here are the other three books from this series: