Dorothy & Herbert An ordinary couple and their extraordinary collection of art

Dorothy Vogel, a librarian at Brooklyn Public Library, and her husband, postal clerk Herbert Vogel, collected thousands of pieces of art starting in the 1960s. Kramer (I Wish You Knew, 2021) and Breckenreid (An Eye for Color, 2009) take a loving look at the couple's devotion to art and collecting it. Dorothy and Herbert spent days of their honeymoon at the National Gallery, explains the book, and they became enmeshed in the growing artist scene in Manhattan, mentoring artists while becoming steady collectors. Later, they donated their collection to the National -Gallery--the image of dozens of postal workers lining up to move the contents of their overflowing apartment is especially striking. The rest of the colorful, dynamic illustrations evoking a variety of art styles from the era will draw readers in too; they show the dashing Dorothy and Herbert surrounded by walls and streets teeming with art and artists. Afterwords by Kramer and Breckenreid give more details about the Vogels and offer websites listing the artists included here and where readers can see the Vogels' collection.

Gr 2--5--What an odd and enchanting book! For serious students of art or for children who love to pore over "I Spy" pages, these eccentric spreads will fill them with joy. In this true story, Herbert is a postal clerk who rushes off to art class each night. Dorothy works at the Brooklyn Public Library, and she, too, rushes off to class. These two aspiring artists marry and become convinced, over years, that they are meant to be collectors of art. Their lifelong avocation results in over 2,000 works they eventually donate to the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they mingle with big names and up and comers, from Christo to Chuck Close, and fill a tiny apartment to bursting. Kramer's well-paced text abbreviates huge passages of time, yet the mood is one of merry discovery, and readers will be glad to be along for the ride. The illustrations are full of art world faces (Breckenreid's website breaks it down for those interested) but also small puzzles, art references, and little clues as to what will come next. VERDICT An eccentric tumble down an unexpectedly accessible bio of two fans who made their passion into a way of life, and just the kind of adventure that many children will find inspiring.--Kimberly Olson Fakih, School Library Journal

This picture book biography describes how Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, a librarian and a postal clerk, assembled an enormous art collection in their New York City apartment, then donated it to the National Gallery of Art. The mid-century-style illustrations convey the movement and energy of life in the 1960s; they also depict the Vogels' home, crowded with artwork, animals, and (famous) friends. Throughout, look for the many nods to notable creators and pieces of art from the time. An appended spread includes definitions of relevant artistic movements (e.g., "conceptual art"; "minimalism") and notes from the author, illustrator, and Dorothy Vogel herself. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"Dorothy and Herbert lived for ART." When the term art collector is used, a librarian and a postal worker don't usually come to mind. But Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, formerly painting students themselves, were bitten by the art bug. Beginning in the 1960s, they lived frugally, saved their money, and "if Dorothy and Herbert liked the art, could carry it in a cab or subway…move it up the elevator, and fit it into their tiny Upper East Side apartment, they bought it," filling their small apartment from floor to ceiling with exciting pieces. Lyrical, energetic text and memorable, innovative illustrations (including a particularly dramatic double gatefold) capture the Vogels' love of art and the artists of New York's SoHo community, show how Dorothy and Herbert became mentors and hosts, and include interesting details. There is no list of the art and artists depicted, though the illustrator's website contains a key and includes web-based resources, many on Wikipedia. While the text is sometimes a bit vague (it explains that they decided to "share [their collection] with the world" without explicitly stating that instead of selling or showing it, they donated it), overall, this is a warm and thoughtful depiction of the two collectors as well as an engaging introduction to the world of modern art. The title characters are White; street scenes reflect New York City's racial diversity. An imperfect but worthwhile portrait of two unique collectors of modern art and the artists who surrounded them. (author's note, illustrator's note, glossary, sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.