 Bartolome is a ten-year-old disabled dwarf living in a small village in rural 17th century Spain. His family has to keep him hidden in a back room. His dream is to be able to read and write. When his father lands a job in the court of King Philip IV, the family moves to Madrid. The royal princess gets whatever she wants and she wants Bartolome as her “human dog.” He is dressed in a brown furry suit and is very scared, unhappy, and humiliated until he discovers the painter’s studio. One of the apprentices to Spanish artist Diego Velasquez lets Bartolome mix paints and paint a picture. The book shows how dwarfs were thought of and discriminated against in the 17th century. This heart-wrenching story was inspired by the painting Las Meninas, which was painted by Velasquez in 1656. Velasquez was employed as a court painter by Philip IV, where he frequently painted the royal family, especially the King’s daughter, the Infanta. mjw |
| Title: Bartolome: The Infanta’s Pet Author: Rachel Van Kooij Publisher: Little Island. Dublin, Ireland Copyright: 2012 Original Language: German Translator: Sioban Parkinson Original Title: Kein Hundeleben fur Bartolome Original Publisher: Jungbrunnen Verlag. Vienna Original Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 978-1-908195-26-5 Paperback pages: 208 Age range: 12 up Genre: Historical Fiction Book setting: Spain Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: Vienna, Austria Translator’s ethnicity: Irish Translator’s residence: Dublin, Ireland Awards: Translator was Ireland’s first Children’s Laureate from 2010-2012. Subjects: Dwarfs; Europe; Madrid, Spain; Pets, Special needs: Velasquez |
Bartolome: The Infanta’s Pet
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