Children’s Book Models Don McLean’s Song, Van Gogh’s Life

To mark the 50th anniversary of Don McLean’s iconic song “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” Meteor 17 Books has announced the release of Vincent: Starry Starry Night, a children’s book that draws from McLean’s song and Van Gogh’s troubled life.

Written by author Judith A. Proffer, with illustrations by Yoko Matsuoka, Vincent gently opens the door to difficult but essential discussions around sadness, loneliness, and the comfort of self-expression. By using Van Gogh’s artistic journey as a backdrop, Vincent fosters empathy and compassion, while offering a glimpse into the notion that a depth of emotions can be hidden behind the canvas.

A bit more fantasy than biographical, this Vincent is a shy and sensitive boy who experiences the world in shadows and struggles to find the beauty within himself. Through art, the young Vincent (who in actuality came to art a bit later in life) finds a way to express his emotions, grabbing feelings with his paintbrushes and claiming light in his works on even the darkest of days.

“This book borrows from my song Vincent,” says Don McLean, whose song “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” has become synonymous with Van Gogh’s life and struggles. “At the time, I was reading about the Dutch painter and was moved to compose a song that paid homage to the artist, his work, and his pain. But really, Judith Proffer hardly needed my song’s inspiration since she has a beautiful imagination. We know Vincent’s life didn’t have a happy ending, but by honoring his illness, we bring once-closed conversations into the open, especially for children.”

With illustrations inspired by Van Gogh’s iconic style, Vincent creates a safe space for children and the adults in their lives to discuss complex emotions. It encourages young readers to explore their own creativity, while also underscoring the importance of asking for help when feelings become overwhelming.

“Children often find it difficult to express their feelings with words, especially when it comes to sadness or loneliness and understanding the complex emotions of people around them,” says author Proffer. “With Vincent, I hope to offer a compelling tool that encourages them to share their emotions and understand those of others. I also wanted to demonstrate that art—whether through drawing, writing, or music—can be a tremendous way to experience what’s simmering inside.”

McLean’s 1972 hit remains a powerful anthem for empathy, having reached No. 1 in the UK and becoming a top 20 hit in the U.S. The song, often referred to by its iconic opening line, “Starry Starry Night,” has been recorded by Josh Groban and Ellie Goulding, and continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. Still relevant a half century after it debut, in July 2020 the original handwritten lyrics went up for sale for $1.5 million.

Vincent: Starry Starry Night is available for purchase now from AmazonBarnes & NobleBooks-A-MillionThriftBooks, and many other retailers.

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