“It all began with Isabella—brash, extravagant Isabella…” This account of Isabella Stewart Gardner and the collection she amassed, creating what is now the Gardner Museum in Boston, pairs an engaging narrative with clever, sometimes comical art and design. Gardner was an eccentric woman whose wealth and personality and privilege made her used to getting what she wanted, and when it came to art, she wanted a lot. Her tastes were broad and eclectic, and she had the resources to acquire whatever she desired by means both above-board and of questionable ethics (this was a time when many countries were beginning to put a halt to their art treasures going overseas). She put her treasurers on display in a mansion she had built as a museum, with her living space on the top floor, organizing the collection in a way that made sense to her, if few others. When she died in 1924, she bequeathed it to the public as long as nothing was rearranged. And nothing was, until thieves made off with some of the treasurers in 1990; they remain lost. An author’s note provides more on Gardner, the museum, and the unsolved theft in this picture book further enlivened by whimsical pen-and-ink and watercolor art and its dynamic design. (Ages 6-10)

From multiple award-winning author Candace Fleming and Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell comes the true story of a woman who always got what she wanted: Isabella Stewart Gardner.

A New England Book Award Finalist

For years, the indomitable Isabella Stewart Gardner searched the world for magnificent artwork and filled her home with a truly unique collection, with the aim of turning it into a museum, which she established in 1903.

Isabella always did things her own way. One day she'd wear baseball gear to the symphony, the next, she'd be seen strolling down the street with zoo lions. It was no surprised that she was very particular about how she arranged her exhibits. They were not organized historically, stylistically, or by artist. Instead, they were arranged based on the connections Isabella felt toward the art, a connection she hoped to encourage in her visitors.

For years, her museum delighted generations of Bostonians and visitors with the collections arranged exactly as she wanted. But in 1990, a spectacular burglary occurred when two thieves disguised as police officers stole thirteen paintings, valued at $500 million, including a Rembrandt and a Vermeer. They have yet to be recovered, though a $10 million reward is still being offered for their safe return.

Author Candace Fleming perfectly captures Isabella's inimitable personality and drive, accompanied by exuberant illustrations by Matthew Cordell.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A CCBC Choice