Keesia and Henri Matisse have the same birthday--New Year's Eve That's why she picks him for her artist report. She finds out that over his long career Matisse made paintings, sculpture, books, costumes, and her favorite--his cut-outs, or what Matisse called "drawing with scissors." The report is filled with about 20 of Matisse's masterpieces as well as artwork that Keesia has created in his "style" (cut-out leaves, drawings through windows, fauvist animals). As she follows Matisse through his life she discovers why he is considered one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century.

Edgar Degas is famous for his paintings of ballerinas, and that's what first attracts Kristin to his artwork. But as she studies him for her report, she discovers that his art ranged far beyond the ballet and she gradually learns exactly what makes Degas's work so unique.

Simon didn't want to do his artist report on Pablo Picasso, but when his brother reports on Simon's favorite artist Monet, Simon chooses Picasso by default. Reproductions of Picasso's works and Simon's own drawings are woven with information about the artist. Full color.