Synopses & Reviews
A dazzling introduction to the world of art for children, the Oxford First Book of Art boasts a rich collection of images--paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textiles--from around the world and through the ages. Gillian Wolfe uses simple, vivid language to encourage young readers to examine the art and ask questions about its contents and origin. The pictures are grouped by themes, starting with more accessible subjects--"Mother and Child" and "Faces"--and moving on to such abstract concepts as "Light," "Patterns," and "Shapes." Superb, full-color reproductions of art by traditional artists--like Mary Cassatt's "The Bath" and William Turner's "The Fighting Temeraire"--alternate with works from modern art's foremost representatives, including Picasso, Leger, Klee, and Giacometti. The selections range from French and American and to Indian and Maori paintings and sculptures. Wolfe sprinkles numerous quizzes and games among the more serious themes to provide gentle, entertaining guidance to artistically-inclined children.
Review
"Much more than an introduction to art appreciation, this beautifully reproduced book takes younger children on an art adventure through the ages and across the globe. The eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and textiles uses both well-known and unknown artists to educate and entertain.... Engaging text, fun activities for during and after reading, and quizzes add to the excitement of the cultures and individuals who created the world of art."--Parents' Choice
"The samples of artwork are from a wide range of time periods and cultures; medieval and Aboriginal art are included as well as examples of pop, impressionistic, and surrealistic art.... Wolfe's emphasis is to persuade readers to bring their own experiences to their understanding of art.... In this way, those new to looking at art will begin to trust their own interpretations of what they see, instead of feeling intimidated or in need of expert explanation. Large, attractive reproductions invite readers to linger over the pages."--Kirkus Reviews
"An abundantly illustrated introduction... Kids can find inspiration in the images drawn from a wide array of cultures and periods, and questions invite thoughtful study of the paintings, drawings, weavings, and sculptures."--Publishers Weekly
"First-rate... a thoughtful text...with excellent reproductions."--Booklist
"Wolfe uses examples that children will understand, such as the gentleness and tenderness between "Mother and Child" depicted in Mary Cassatt's The Child's Bath.... Clear, full-color reproductions and photographs illustrate the text. A volume to spark children's imaginations and their interest in art."--School Library Journal
About the Author
Gillian Wolfe is the Head of Education at Dulwich Picture Gallery in London. Her publications have won the prestigious Gulbenkian Award for Best Museum Publication in 1997. She is a passionate and experienced communicator of the joys of art to children and young adults.