Shields introduces young readers to the works of Helen McNicoll and Mary Cassatt. 

Morning snuggles, flower picking, and a trip to the beach – who would've thought the works of Helen McNicoll (1879-1915) and Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) could illustrate an ideal day for young and mature readers alike? 

Created by Caroline Shields, the AGO’s Curator of European art, A Day with Helen and Mary introduces young readers to the works of Canadian artist McNicoll and her American contemporary Cassatt, two trailblazing women Impressionist painters renowned for their roles in promoting Impressionism across North America.  Impressionism across North America.  

Starting with morning cuddles in bed, the book chronologically traces a fun-filled day outside, pairing McNicoll's and Cassat's paintings with poetic text by Shields. The concept for A Day with Helen and Mary was inspired by visits Shields took with her son to her previously curated exhibition Cassatt – McNicoll: Impressionists Between Worlds. 

"McNicoll and Cassatt are known for their paintings of women and children, and the time I spent developing an exhibition about their work coincided precisely with my son's toddler years. I sometimes felt as though I was watching him grow through the artists' eyes," Shields shared. "Once the exhibition opened, we visited often together, and as he picked out his favourite paintings and responded to particular details, I began to see the artworks through his eyes. 

"This book is inspired by those exchanges. I created it as a birthday gift for him, and as a way to capture and preserve those special moments together." 

A Day with Helen and Mary marks the second children's book published by the AGO.  The book is being distributed in partnership with Monster House Publishing, an independent publisher from Fredericton, New Brunswick. 

 "A Day with Helen and Mary evokes such a feeling of peacefulness and a day well spent," shared Emma Farlow-McAllister from Monster House Publishing. "We are lucky enough to have one of Helen McNicoll’s paintings, Moonlight, housed at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery right here in Fredericton, and I fully intend to sit and read the book right below it.” 

Looking for the perfect way to introduce young readers to Impressionism and the work of Helen McNicoll and Mary Cassatt? Pick up a copy of A Day with Helen and Mary from Shop AGO, online or in person. Want to experience Impressionism in person? Visit The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art, currently on view at the AGO on Level 5. Copies of A Day with Helen and Mary are also available in the exhibition's Satellite Shop.