A Child's Book of Art: Great Pictures - First Words

A wide ranging introduction to the world of art, this oversized hardback book is full of pictures organized by themes such as "Things to Do" and "Animals on the Farm". There is no rhyme or reason to picture selection beyond theme; rather, the author chose pictures through a process that included

both instinct and the opinions of children. This leads to spreads containing pictures that cut across time and space. For instance, "Let's Go By Boat" includes a 20th century Ethiopian work juxtaposed with a 16th century European work. This visually pleasing work will incite chatter between youngsters and the person lucky enough to share the book with them. A must for young children and elementary school libraries.

Show Less

LibraryThing member StephSchmahl

This book shows several pictures in different settings, variety of animals, and people. The book is designed for children to look at the pictures and notice the details in the pictures. The pictures are are broken down by their settings and what it going on in the picture.

I like this book because

the author designed it for children to be able to look at art in a different way. It also allows children to learn something about the art.

In the classroom I would use this book to teach children to look more into art than just the picture but what the portrait is displaying. I would have the students pick out a piece of art and tell me what they learned about it.

Show Less

LibraryThing member sharty

The artwork chosen in this book serves both to expose chidlren to great pieces of art and to introduce them to concepts and words such as colors, emotions, the five senses, kinds of boats, counting, and many more.

LibraryThing member jamiesque

A Child's Book of Art is intended to be an introduction into the world of fine arts. The author, Lucy Micklethwait, proports that "By opening our children's eyes to art, we can help them understand the world in which they live and the people with whom they share it." And, while the book may serve

as a first look at master works, questions, background knowledge, observation and critical thinking skills, as well as conversations are an essential part of maximizing this book.
The book maintains a simple, easy to follow pattern of a category depicted through various paintings and art works, mostly by European and Japanese masters, accompanied by a one-word description. The categories are simple: colors, family members, numbers, pets, senses, action words, ect. Each piece of the categoty is assigned an artwork that represents that idea. While I appreciate a child's autonomy for discovery and the sheer enjoyment of 'looking at the pictures,' the book alone, without analyzation, seems a bit aimless. A Child's Book of Art is one that reaches full potential with external direction and probing.

Show Less

Fewer