About the Author

NIKI DALY, a Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee, has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books, among them "Happy Birthday, Jamela!," which "The Miami Herald" praised as "absolutely pitch-perfect." He lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Reviews

"An art competition, a student club (organized by Bettina), a parental complaint and a highly satisfactory resolution round out this light-hearted introduction to eccentricity, activism and art appreciation." --"The Washington Post""
""With tidbits about famous artists, this is a quick-paced, entertaining book about the power of art." --"School Library Journal
""Delightful." --STARRED, "Booklist
"
"The acclaimed South African author / illustrator ventures into chapter-book territory with this humorous account of how a new art teacher shakes up fifth grader Bettina Valentino's school and inspires the fledgling artist . . . . Profusely illustrated and told in first-person chronological episodes, this may have appeal for some reluctant readers as well."" --Kirkus Reviews
""Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club is a novel so funny that readers will find themselves laughing out loud at some of the antics of the title character and her family and friends - but beneath that amusement are some very serious lessons about what art is, how it is made, and in what ways it appeals to (or fails to appeal to) different sorts of people."" --"Infodad.com

“An art competition, a student club (organized by Bettina), a parental complaint and a highly satisfactory resolution round out this light-hearted introduction to eccentricity, activism and art appreciation.” —"The Washington Post""
"“With tidbits about famous artists, this is a quick-paced, entertaining book about the power of art.” —"School Library Journal
"“Delightful.” —STARRED, "Booklist
"
“The acclaimed South African author / illustrator ventures into chapter-book territory with this humorous account of how a new art teacher shakes up fifth grader Bettina Valentino’s school and inspires the fledgling artist . . . . Profusely illustrated and told in first-person chronological episodes, this may have appeal for some reluctant readers as well.”" —Kirkus Reviews
"“Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club is a novel so funny that readers will find themselves laughing out loud at some