I (Heart) Art

March 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 4-This chunky book of art published by the Western Hemisphere's largest museum might look small, but it packs a serious art history punch! Major works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's vast collection are organized into chapters based on topical subject matter. Short, attention-grabbing poems introduce each chapter, which includes: "I (heart) Art," "I (heart) Reading, Writing, and Drawing," "I (heart) the City," and so on. Simple captions note each work's title, artist and nationality, production date, materials used, and provenance. A variety of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, pottery, and collage are evenly represented in each category, with glossy, full-page artwork reproductions throughout. The book features a well-rounded and diverse group of artists from all historical periods. Readers will learn to recognize the works of notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Hart Benton, Georgia O'Keeffe, and more. True to its name, the cover features a clever heart cutout, adding its visual and tactile appeal for young readers. Sparse text throughout makes it ideal for open-ended discussion between caregiver and child in a one-on-one context. The book also includes an index of artists and artwork titles. Purchasers should note that this is not a board book. VERDICT Young readers will enjoy this visually stunning introduction to art history.-Natalie Romano, Denver Public Library

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