A perfect introduction to art for children everywhere, the second volume of "The Art Book for Children" brings the clarity and innovation of Phaidon's bestselling "Art Book" to even more young readers. Another 30 artists, from Raphael and Thomas Gainsborough to Winslow Homer and Gerhard Richter, have been selected from the original "Art Book" for their significance in art history as well as their appeal to children. "Book Two" is a fun and informative guide to another 30 great artists and their most famous works, designed for both parent and child to enjoy together. The book encourages children to look closely at art and use their imagination to understand why artists choose to create the work they do and in the way that they do it. From the intricate details of the Limbourg Brothers' illuminated manuscripts to the dazzling Californian skies of David Hockney, every aspect of the works included here are discussed in an assessable and friendly style. Like the first volume this book will appeal particularly to children from age seven and upward, but will be of interest to readers of all ages.

Table of Contents

Each spread is dedicated to one of the best-known works of one of thirty artists, which are accompanied by a highly readable, short text that directs the child (and his or her adult reader) to look closely at the artwork, and invites a personal response. Also explained in this text are the people, story or ideas behind the works.

Reviews

Gr 4-7- This follow-up to The Art Book for Children (Phaidon, 2005) is similar in size, format, and tone to that volume. Each spread contains sharp, full-color reproductions accompanied by four or five paragraphs discussing the different aspects of art suggested by the particular work. The book includes well-known classics, modern concept art, painting, and sculpture. Renshaw alternates modern and traditional art, but otherwise there is no real organization to the book. The tone is casual yet energetic and the text is both interesting and thought-provoking. It is not condescending, but is easily accessible to even a fairly young audience. Renshaw answers some questions about the artwork, and poses questions on every spread for readers to consider. In a discussion of Winslow Homer's Snap the Whip, she states, "We know the boy is moving-but how does the artist make him look as if he's moving when, of course, the picture is totally still?" Reading the book is something like walking through an art gallery with a really good docent. This is a great choice for schools and libraries.-Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

(Praise for the Art Book for Children Volume One) 'A Perfect introduction to art for parents and children to enjoy together' The Guardian 'Parents will find this a wonderful book to share with their child' Junior 'Stylish and exciting without being silly' The Sunday Times

The Art Book for Children: Book Two by Amanda Renshaw challenges kids to ask questions about a wide range of famous art, from the ancient to the contemporary. For Raphael's The School of Athens, Renshaw queries, "Where is the teacher? What is everyone chattering about?" and later explains how "a ripe Camembert cheese" helped inspire the melting clocks in Dali's The Persistence of Memory. (Phaidon, $19.95 80p ages 8-up ISBN 9780-7148-4706-1; Dec.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.