A Child's Introduction to Art: The World's Greatest Paintings and Sculptures

by Heather Alexander, Meredith Hamilton (Illustrator)

The newest volume in Black Dog's best-selling, award-winning Child's Introduction series explores the fascinating world of art and artists and includes do-it-yourself art projects throughout.

In the tradition of Black Dog's best-selling Child's Introduction books, which include The Story of the Orchestra and A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky, A Child's Introduction to Art introduces kids ages 9 through 12 to the art world's most famous painters, styles, and periods, all brought to life through full-color photographs of 40 masterpieces, as well as charming original illustrations.

The book highlights 40 painters and sculptors, including Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Diego Velasquez, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Mary Cassatt, and Andy Warhol, providing information on their life, inspirations, influences, technique, and a full-color photo of one of their signature works of art. It also includes an overview of various styles and periods (Renaissance, Impressionism, Cubism, etc), instruction on how to view and appreciate art, and information on the color wheel and other tools artists employ.

Fun art projects throughout, such as Can You Find It?, Q-tip pointillism, making a stained-glass window with tissue paper, and Spatter Paint like Pollock, allow kids to learn about painting techniques and explore their own artistic abilities. Also includes five masterpiece paintings to color.

Meredith Hamilton's witty illustrations add another dimension to the excellent text and photographs.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, History, Reference

96 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2014

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The information in this book is well thought out and placed, but I can't endorse any book published in 2014 that has this blurb on the back: "Read about famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, and Henri Matisse, as well as important women and African-American artists." To me, that sounds like women and African-American artists can be important, but none are famous (or the famous ones aren't important? I'm not sure.) Additionally, the plural is used above, but only one female artist (Mary Cassatt) and one African-American artist (Jacob Lawrence) are highlighted, with paragraphs talking about others. Forget about pretty much any other minority as well--you've got Katsushika Hokusai representing Asian artists and that's it. If you're looking to introduce kids to a Euro-centric version of the greats, then this is your book.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good explanation for newbies in art 🎨.

[يحيى عاشور · Rating 5 out of 5]

رحلة فنية خالصة وخلابة عبر الزمن. كان يجب أن أقرأ مثل هذا الكتاب منذ فترة كبيرة لأتعلم كيف أقرأ الفن بطريقة أفضل. ببساطة، بامتلاكي نسخة من هذا الكتاب، أعتبر أن أمتلك كنزاً يحوي أهم اللوحات العالمية وأهم الفنانين العالميين. تمنيت لو احتوى الكتاب على لوحات آخرين لفنانين آخرين، لم يكن الحديث عن ٣٥ فنان كافياً لإشباع الفضول الذي يعززه هذا الكتاب.

[Becker Children · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little survey of art history for kids, and I love that it includes a number of little techniques and projects to try! We haven't even gotten into the coloring sheets yet. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars: the section that covers Van Gogh gives too much and unnecessary detail about the end of his life ("he shot and killed himself"). This is not the first children's book I've come across that does so, but it's just not a necessary or appropriate detail in a children's book! It's not as if the cause of death were given for every other artist; I don't know why writers feel the need to go into it in the case of Van Gogh. For a children's book, I think to say that he suffered from mental illness would suffice, if anything need be said about why his life was on the shorter side at all.

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for teaching kids about famous artists. Each page spread is a short bio of the artist on one page and a reproduction of one of their most famous pieces with details pointed out on the other. Every couple pages has an idea of an extension activity. I have been using this book for my kids’ homeschool art history course this year (ages 7,5,3), and have been really enjoying going through it together.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun introduction of art through the ages and how art has evolved through different techniques, styles, and mediums. I really enjoyed the snippets of information about some famous artists and thought this was a great way to introduce children to art by guided art activities throughout the book.

[Amy Lafleur Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Alexander describes many artists - including their lives, style, and contributions to art - as well as one of their famous works. She teaches kids by example how to describe art, and many facts about art, also includes instructions to try your own art experiments based on the works of art. The book also includes a timeline. Informative book

[Kirti Vyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic - introduces so many artists, paintings, and art terms. Bought the book because it’s a treasure!

[Evelyn Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

去博物馆前可以再看一遍

[Ayla Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading a lot of art books because my child's elementary school no longer has art. She of course loves art so trying to fill in the gaps on my own.

[Carrie Ardoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved sharing this book with my son! Even though at 5, he is quite a bit younger than the intended audience, he could still appreciate looking at the pictures of world famous works of art and asking questions about them.

The best thing about the book is that it lays out the subject matter, which can sometimes be rather complicated, in a way that children can easily understand. Each section gives a brief history and explanation of the artist and his or her work, as well as the particular style each artist used. To help the young reader get a better grasp on technique, the stories are interspersed with easy, fun projects kids can do to feel like artists themselves.

A Child's Introduction to Art begins with a brief history of art, even dating back to cave paintings. After that, artists are profiled in a chronological fashion. The book features such masters as Manet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and dozens more. The illustrations are pleasant but do not detract from the works of art that are shown in the book.

As my child grows, I can see us returning to this book more as he becomes more interested in certain artists. I was even fascinated myself at some of the things I learned! I would recommend this book to any family that wants to introduce artistic culture into their home.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember thinking that art class in college was often boring but this book was interesting and fun. It gives a good overview of Western art history up until about the 1950's. It has clear explanations that don't talk down to the readers and lots of prints of different artworks. There are explanations of art styles and techniques, a brief bio of each artist profiled, and information about one work by that artist. The illustrations are well done and the book works for reading or just browsing and looking at the art.

I do wish that it took a more global look at art and artists and spent more time in current artists and trends but the book should inspire many readers to explore for themselves. There's a wonderful range of suggested activities to help children learn and explore about different techniques and I plan to try some of the activities in my and two and three year old classroom. The directions for the activities are clear and there's a range for different age groups.

Read the full review at Bea's Book Nook.

[Sandra Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twin text pairing #2

I selected this book because it gives a wonderful general overview of artists and their famous pieces. There are many pictures in the book which are high quality and breathtaking. Not only are there are great informational facts in this book there are also many fun facts as well. This is best suited for younger readers due to the language used.

The twin text I chose to pair this book with is Paris in the Spring with Picaso by Priceman and Yolleck. I chose this twin text because I think students would enjoy learning about Paris, which is one of the art capitals of the world, and also because this book is about Picaso, who is another very famous artist for students to learn about.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for children. Each artist discussed has a step-by-step art project for the child. A parent could take an artist a week and do fun art for several months to supplement education during the school year or during summer holidays. I plan on giving it as Christmas presents to my nieces and nephews.

Update: Has been well used by at least my oldest nephew (11). He has even been known to pick it up, read, & do random art projects all on his own. Very good investment in a child's education. So thrilled I found these books! Absolutely love them!

[Cheryl]

Lots going on. Too much; most ideas and works are addressed superficially. Interesting choices of works, too... I'm not so sure those are the most interesting for children. I can't see using it in a classroom or even as a family for enrichment. There are so many wonderful art books for kids, I honestly recommend not bothering with this if you have access to a variety of others. I do admit that I didn't read every word, but I certainly did enough to know I'd give it, maybe, two stars if I had.

Also almost entirely white Western males. Blech.

January 2023

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is in need of a proofreader. There were so many errors! At least far more than I'd expect such a short book to have. Anyway, useful for an introduction to art, just as it says. I learned some, and I thought the suggested projects were often actually very interesting and many could be done by my preschoolers. Ultimately, I'd want to get this book (or a book like this, but better edited) for an older child who seemed interested in art.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art Education friends-- YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK. It does an amazing job giving just enough information to keep students excited and motivated. It also has great inspiration for possible lesson plans.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a basic bio and history on many of the famous artists and what they were each famous for. IT also suggsts a project for each to explore an area related to that artist's contributions to art history. (better than some of the other art books for children I've looked at)

[Tasha Johnson]

This book is filled with art work and historical facts about them and their artists. There are endless facts and information that will lead to great art lessons! This is a great informational text for students who are passionate about art.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to some of the great artists in history. It is easy to read, filled with interesting facts that will hopefully prompt more research, and includes some art activities to try. Great for elementary through middle school students.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book. What a great way to teach children art appreciation along with giving activities to enjoy as well. Definitely a recommended read for any family looking to learn about art and appreciating different perspectives in art.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book filled with great information and art. It would make a wonderful addition to a classroom library.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book with background information about famous paintings and artists. It's a lovely overview of many different artists and styles of art. This is a keeper.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this for a family book club--has art projects to go along with the artists--everyone loved it:)

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

We found this to be a quick and easy introduction to different styles of art. Not my favorite, but it is decent.

[Jennifer]

very good book for introducing kids to famous artists and techniques.

[Leandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro me gusto mucho.
Me gusto como en tan solo de 2 a 4 paginas hizo que me interesara por cada pintor y cada estilo que crearon.
Ahora aprecio mas el arte y se el porque.

[Mills College Library]

Picture A3758 2014

[Lin Lin]

If you have a child who does not seem to be interested in words and numbers, he or she might be interested in images and could be potentially an artist. This book features greatest artists and painters who believe in drawing in their unique ways. Their creativity matters. Creativity matters.