How Dreadful! - Hardcover

by Claire Lebourg (Author), Sophie Lewis (Translator)

Finalist for the 2026 Prix Albertine Jeunesse

"An unmitigated delight."--The New York Times

What exactly is a piece of art? What is it meant to capture? And how do we find the courage to believe in our work?

It's the week of her gallery opening and none of Paty's paintings are ready. She asks her friends to pose in her studio, and the outcome is... just dreadful. After seeing the way Paty has portrayed them, one after the other, they leave in a huff. Paty wonders whether she should cancel the whole thing. Fortunately, Michou, the gallery owner, forbids it. And Paty is in for a surprise on opening day...

What exactly is a piece of art? What is it meant to capture? How do we find the courage to believe in our work? Claire Lebourg's watercolor illustrations convey all the worry and self-doubt that comes with any creative practice and show us that maybe the secret lies in believing in yourself.

Author Biography

After studying at the School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg, Claire Lebourg now lives and works in Toulouse. Since then, she has published several picture books and an early reading series. In addition to her work as an author-illustrator, she creates maps and posters and organizes talks and workshops for children and adults. www.clairelebourg.com