Here are four great books that introduce kids of all ages to the wonderful world of art!
Mix It Up by Herve Tullet
This is not a board book but the pages are very sturdy for little toddler hands that might not be as gentle as they need to be. These sturdy pages allow for the kind of action the book calls for - touch here, mix here, press here. The colors are "magically" mixed as the reader follows the book's directions. Not only does it teach color concepts, but the engaging story fascinates little minds. for ages 1-5
The Great Art Adventure by Bob Knox
The Great Art Adventure by Bob Knox follows two children as they wander through an art museum. They see paintings that span different eras of time and different cultures, everything from Chinese landscape paintings from the Ming dynasty to decorated animal hides from native tribes in North Dakota. What is entertaining about this book is the way each work of art is presented with one page dedicated to the actual work and a short paragraph of facts and the opposing page showing the two children imagining themselves inside the painting. The reader gets to see a medieval French tapestry with a castle, knights, and horses, and then its funny to see the kids in the same poses. It makes the art more engaging for young readers. for ages 6-10
A Child's Introduction to Art by Heather Alexander and Meredith Hamilton
This art book for kids focuses on two things: introducing young readers to classic famous artists and some of their best work and teaching basic art concepts. Artists featured include Mary Cassatt, Jackson Pollock, and Cezanne, and each have a small section of the book devoted to their biography and an analysis of their work that is both kid-appropriate yet still very thorough and educational. I was impressed with the amount of knowledge that was poured into teaching kids about real art. The book also teaches concepts like the color wheel and drawing perspective. It comes with some really cool coloring pages too! for ages 6-12
Art Up Close
What sets Art Up Close apart from other art books for kids is its genius format. Claire d'Harcourt has taken the classic "I Spy" kids book where the reader searches for objects inside busy pictures (in other words, "Where's Waldo?") and applies the game to classic works of art. It draws both kids and adults into a work of art that maybe seemed unapproachable and outdated before. for all ages.
There you have it! Four great books that will inspire all of the mini Picasso's out there to make something wonderful.