How Dreadful!

Written by Claire Lebourg · Translated by Sophie Lewis

An artist's gallery opening looms, but her paintings are a disaster. Can she find the courage to believe in her work?

3.8 Goodreads · 75 ratings

36 pages· ~510L

$18.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

As her gallery opening approaches, Paty's paintings are far from ready, leaving her in a creative crisis. Her friends, unhappy with their portrayals, abandon her, and Paty considers canceling the event. But Michou, the gallery owner, insists the show must go on. With self-doubt looming, Paty faces a surprising revelation on opening day. Will she find the courage to embrace her art and herself? Discover the unexpected twist that challenges the very essence of creativity and belief.

From the publisher

Finalist for the 2026 Prix Albertine Jeunesse”An unmitigated delight.”–The New York TimesWhat 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.

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