BIOGRAPHIES
SERIES:
Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists – by Mike Venezia
This great series continues to grow and each is a great introduction to an artist. The artist’s childhood is usually included, making the books very relatable to kids. Many are available at the Mann Library.
Artists included: Matisse, Van Gogh, Grandma Moses, Giotto, Frida Kahlo, Whistler, and so many more.
Smart About Art – Various Writers
These books are ghost-written by adults to appear as school reports on different artists. This format is very effective in keeping kids interested.
Artists included: Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Degas, Kahlo, Matisse, and Mary Cassatt
Tashen Basic Art - Various Authors – Each of these books is extremely well-produced and priced ($9.99 or less). The color reproductions are fantastic, and the author bios are very thorough for the size of the books.
Tons of artists included, such as: Basquiat, Arcimboldo, Calder, and so many more.
INDIVIDUAL BIOGRAPHIES:
Uncle Andy’s – by James Warhola – Written by Andy Warhol’s nephew, this book recounts the author’s trips to New York from Pennsylvania to visit his great Uncle. Told from a kid’s point of view, this book is a unique way of looking at Warhol – Highly Recommended
Picasso and Minou – by P.I. Maltbie & Pao Estrada – The story of Picasso and his cat when he was young and coming out of his Blue Period
Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail - by Laurence Anholt – The story of Picasso and particular teenage girl who inspired many of his paintings and sculptures.
Niki’s World – Great survey of the work of Niki de Saint Phalle.
BOOKS ABOUT KIDS AND ART:
Anna’s Art Adventure – by Bjorn Sortland and Lars Elling – Follow Anna as she goes in and out of paintings from modern masters Chagall, Munch, Pollack, and more.
Ish – by Peter H. Reynolds – Great book for little ones that reminds them that though their art may not be perfect, it’s still art, and to the right person, it’s perfect.
Dot – by Peter H. Reynolds – Another inspirational book for your little artist, especially for those who say they “can’t draw.”
GENERAL/FUN:
Art Fraud Detective, The Great Art Scandal, Art Auction Mysery – by Anna Nilsen – Each of these books offers not only a tour of gallery art, it’s also a puzzle to be solved. The challenges are tough and require adult help to complete.
MUSEUM RELATED:
Going to the Getty – by J. Otto Seibold & Vivian Walsh – Fun book that showcases the collection of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
Seen Art? - Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith – This book follows a boy who is looking for his friend Art. Everyone he encounters assumes since he is near MOMA in New York that he means he is looking for Art. This confusion takes him through the entire museum. Highly recommended.
GENRES/THEMES:
Art Explorers Series by Joyce Raimondo – This series offers up projects and real examples of kids artwork inspired by well-known works of art in different genres and styles.
Books included in the series: Picture This! (Impressionism), Imagine That! (Surrealism), What’s the Big Idea? (Abstract Expressionism), Express Yourself! (Expressionism), and Make it Pop! (Pop Art).
Taschen Basic Genre Art – These extremely nice-priced books are wonderfully produced. The genre series offers up bright reproductions and short artist bios, and each is only $9.99.
Genres Offered: Conceptual Art, Dadaism, Rococo, Still Life, Video Art, etc.
Discovering Great Artists by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga – This teaching guide covers art from the Renaissance to contemporary artists. Includes a terrific Art Glossary and an index searchable by material.
