Customer Reviews
I love it. 
2008-07-02
I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very nicely laid out. My son had his own opinions but his class mates loved it. Therefore I donated it to his school.
--Real paintings to enjoy and interpret for children and adults too!-- 
2008-05-24
I recently discovered A CHILD'S BOOK OF ART at a used book sale. After a brief scanning, I could see what an excellent and beautiful book that I had in my hand. The illustrated paintings of famous artists are extensive and the variety of styles is diverse. I personally enjoyed going through the book and seeing both familiar and unfamiliar works of art and testing myself on the title and artist!
This could take a child through the years as different aspects of the paintings are revealed through the stages of individual maturity. The sections of the book are titled with 28 key chapters, such as: The Family, In the Garden, Pets, By The Sea, Shapes, Birds, The Seasons, A Time To Work etc. The paintings in each section are the work of different artists and children can see the varied styles and give their view of the pictures.
The author, Lucy Micklethwait says "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." My personal perspective is that we can also give children a boost of creative excitement in what the human hand can draw and paint. Enjoyable!
Judith Miller
Nice introduction to art for children 2007-08-07
My children love this book. The art is beautiful. With young children, I spend just a little time on each page. With older children I like to spend more time and discuss more detail about each painting.
Awesome! 2007-02-15
This book inspires my kids to look at it without me there. It is used for its simplicity now and will be used for writing projects later. A wild assortment of art makes it very interesting.
Art, Beauty 2005-11-08
This is a great book for all ages. Set up like a beginning word book for toddlers, beautiful works of art are combined with basic concepts and ideas. The art included spans the centuries, from ancient Egypt to the 1970s. Multiple cultures are also included: India, Greece, Japan, Ethiopia, and many others. Many great artists are also included: Michelangelo, Vermeer, Monet, Cassatt, Escher, Van Gogh, and Diego Rivera to name a few. While this beautiful book is aimed at preschool to early grade school, all ages (from 1 to 101) will love it. The only caveat that some parents may object to is the inclusion of a minor amount of nudity. "The Creation of Adam" 1511 by Michelangelo, "The Listening Girl" 1780s by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, and "Flaming June" (a sheer dress)1895 by Frederic Leighton. All are beautiful classical pieces of art, and most people would not object to them. This statement is included as a courtesy to those who would.
Picture is worth a thousand words 2005-02-23
An outstanding oversized book for children of all ages but intended for the preschool to grade 3 set. A very interesting format is used where the art picture is the door to opening a dialogue with your young one . A broader concept like wild animals will be on a page with various paintings of the chosen represenatives of the animal kingdom. The magic of art as seen through a childs eyes can also open an adults eyes to new perspectives. The subjects chosen are basic but the art work is by some of the worlds masters including Michaelangelo, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet,
Van Dyck, Rousseau, Durer, Renoir,Van Gogh, Picasso, Rivera and Escher amongst others. There are annonymous paintings and others attributed to codices and manuscripts as well as ethnic pieces from different distant cultures for the child to ponder. The book is such that it can be shown and with some help a young one can further explore the details of a piece of art by holding the book together. The pictures are large enough but not to the point where the book is cumbersome. I only had one little problem with this childs primer to art and first words. Under the title "Things To Do" the author has chosen, reading, writing, drawing and painting , all noble ventures but missing the essence of youth, playing. I suppose the author is trying to assist the reader in developing the more refined child , however, playing is the essence of a childs world. To her credit she does dedicate a section to play, although the chosen paintings don't really reflect enough movement that a bundle of kinetic energy can relate to. Motionless portraits of women playing cards in the 1600's or an angel playing guitar are hardly how children relate to playing but I suppose if you're trying to instill certain cerebric qualities in your child it works. Al in all it is a fine book to help you in opening your childs eyes to art. The author uses only a word or phrase by a painting but concludes her book with a message under the title A Time For Peace with the painting "Peaceable Kingdom" by Edward Hicks, The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
Coffeetable Book for the Whole Family- What a Great Gift !! 2004-10-09
When I saw my first grandchild, at age two, staring at a print of Renoir's Boating Party hanging in our dining area we began a dialog abt the hats, food, dresses etc. I loved our interaction and went searching for an art book that was childfriendly as well as fun for me. This IS the book. It's a stunning selection of artwork, arranged so that each work "pops" for the viewer. By grouping works in categories, as well as providing simple guide words, children and adults can easily fall into lively discussion together. This is a priceless gift to give any child and the adult who so dearly loves them. Place it on your coffeetable and welcome the fun and warmth that this book engenders into your homes !!
Beautiful book 2001-12-11
This book is truly marvelous. It provides an easy and accessible way to introduce young children to the world of art, while leaving room to develop their own ideas and concepts concerning "classical art". I think as children grow they will continue to appreciate the beauty of the works they first met in this book and will have a point of reference that helps them relate to the works in the book.
What a Wonderful Idea! 2001-10-31
When I first looked through this book, I thought maybe they could have added some explanations to the artwork. Then, I realized that if they had, they would not be allowing the child to make up creative ideas about the art themselves.
Each piece is simply accompanied by a word or sentence. "Young and Old" is next to Dignity and Impudence by Edwin Landseer. A picture of a large and small dog.
Children Playing on the Beach by Mary Cassatt is explained by: "playing in the sand."
The simplicity of this book then becomes the beauty. Children will want to know more about the pictures and you can answer their questions and have a conversation about art.
There are over 100 paintings reproduced in gorgeous colors. You can teach colors and words as well as art appreciation. It might also be amusing to try to teach them the names of the paintings.
The art is divided up into sections. There is a note to parents and teachers. Then you can view art that focuses on:
The Family
At Home
In the Garden
Pets
Animals on the Farm
Wild Animals
Birds
Fruit
Things we Do
Action Words
Counting
Colors
Shapes
Opposites
The Seasons
The Weather
By the Sea
Faces
The Five Senses
Six Way to Travel
Let's Go by Boat
A Time to Work, Play, Eat, Sleep
A Time for Peace
The picture of fall is especially beautiful. While viewing this book, you might also want to play some classical music in the background.
This book is just delightful. You might also enjoy "A Child's Book of Lullabies" featuring art by Mary Cassatt.
~The Rebecca Review
I love this book! 2000-09-06
It is my experience that one must sneak up on children with the love of great art. This book is the perfect resource for just that pleasure. It is my favorite baby gift for new parents and grandparents. Everyone loves it, even those who are not already "into" art.
