The Rocket Book Pl 12 (1912)

The Rocket Book (Pl 12) by Peter Newell, painted in 1912, is a vibrant and dynamic illustration from a beloved children's book that continues to capture the imagination of viewers with its quirky narrative and visual charm. The scene cleverly captures a moment of surprise and chaos as a rocket, having burst upward through the floors of an apartment building, explodes through a table in a room where a young woman sits reading. The impact sends household items such as books, papers, and fragments of the wooden table flying all around, creating a whirlwind of debris.The painting demonstrates Newell's exceptional ability to blend humor and mild peril in his storytelling, pulling the viewer directly into the momentary shock experienced by the young woman. Her expression—a mixture of astonishment and curiosity—perfectly encapsulates the unexpectedness of her situation. The room's details, such as the phonograph and the framed pictures above the desk, add to the authenticity and depth of the early 20th-century setting.Peter Newell’s work is renowned for its wit and this particular painting not only exemplifies his skill as an illustrator but also his mastery in conveying story through art.