Develop a Passion for Art
In Your Kids
Kids love art. They love to draw and paint, but
they also can be encouraged to develop an admiration for classic
works of art. Experts agree that developing a critical artistic eye
for art in a young child is an invaluable educational tool and can
foster a love of fine artwork that will last a lifetime. It is
difficult to imagine spending a whole lot of time in a museum with
the average young child without also imagining a challenge most
parents would rather not face, though. For parents who would like to
foster an appreciation for art in their kids, it is important to arm
them with an idea of what they will be looking at. What better way
to do that than by spending time with books that will familiarize
them with some of the artists we have grown to love? For parents who
love art and to read (and create) with their kids, the following are
just a small sampling of books available to engender a passion for
fine artwork.
Sharing with Renior, Sunday with Seurat, A
Picnic with Monet, A Magical Day with Matisse, Dancing With Degas,
and In the Garden with Van Gogh
By Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober
“Grab your hat!
Come out and play
Where sailboats bob on a blueberry bay…”
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists
are a favorite of many. Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober have done a
wonderful job of creating delightful, fun stories illustrated with
the featured artist’s most famous works. These beautiful board books
are perfect for preschooler’s small hands and active imaginations.
Written in engaging verse, this series of popular books is geared
for the younger child ages infant to 4. Published by Chronicle
Books, this series of books is available at bookstores nationwide or
online at
www.chroniclebooks.com.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Their Lives and
Ideas
24 Activities
by: Carol Sabbeth
It is no secret that Frida Kahlo and Diego
Rivera are an interesting pair. Art lovers everywhere are fascinated
by the work of these two Mexican artists. Their work is a cumulative
narrative of their lives, both together and apart, during which they
were able to show that art is a true reflection of the times we live
in and an outlet to show joy, passion and political expression. The
24 activities outlined in the book give kids ages 9 and up
first-hand experience with creating a mini-fresco, mural with a
social message and a still-life in Kahlo’s unique style. Loaded with
beautiful 4-color reproductions of both Kahlo and Diego’s work as
well as pre-Columbian and Mexican Folk art, this educational
masterpiece is a wonderful guide into this type of artwork. A
listing of museums and places where Kahlo and Rivera’s artwork is
displayed, as well as a list of relevant websites make this book an
invaluable resource. Published by Independent Publishers Group and
available online at
www.ipgbook.com, by calling 1-800-888-4741, or at major bookstores
nationwide.
Off The Wall Museum Guide for Kids
By Ruthie Knapp and Julie Lehmberg
This pocket-sized guide into fine art is a
must-have for parents who are looking for more than just a typical
day at an art museum with their kids. Packed with information on
featured artists, small reproductions of their artwork and
suggestions for activities, this booklet is sure to enhance the
experience for parents and children alike. Geared especially for
children ages 9 and up. Other books in this “Off the Wall” series
include Modern Art, Egyptian Art, and American Art. Published by
Sterling Publishing and available at bookstores nationwide. |
