Blue and Other Colors: with Henri Matisse

by Henri Matisse

Overview

Fine artists are paired with early learning concepts in this groundbreaking series for the toddler set.

Henri Matisse's abstract cut-outs are used to teach colors in this polished read-aloud board book. Blue & Other Colors takes children through Matisse's color palette, one artwork per page, beginning with blue and returning to it as a familiar refrain throughout. The variance of shapes, depth, and scale will keep readers engaged, while the text enriches the reading experience with relatable and humorous commentary. Readers will not only learn their colors, but also grow familiar with fine art in this relevant and relatable first title in this series of concept books featuring the most innovative and influential artists. Includes a read-aloud "about the artist" at the end.

Created for ages 1-3 years

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780714871424
Publisher:	Phaidon Press
Publication date:	04/18/2016
Pages:	30
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 8.12(h) x 0.75(d)
Age Range:	1 - 3 Years

About the Author

Henri Matisse's (1869-1954) innovative use of color has inspired generations of artists. His cutouts - collages made from shapes cut from painted paper in a process he described as 'painting with scissors' - have become some of the most admired works of the last century.

Editorial Reviews

Books that aim to familiarize the youngest children with the work of great artists don't always accomplish their mission, but this lovely, well-conceived example seems liable to leave a lasting impression on a little mind.

The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo

"Beautiful... A fun new way for children to learn vocabulary while being taught about great artists." —BookTrust.org.uk

"Gorgeous... [T]his smart book will catch little viewers' attentions quickly... a nice way to mix color recognition and fine art appreciation." —ArcaMax

"Takes children through Matisse's color palette by showing his various collages... Children will be able to relate." —New York Journal of Books

"An excellent read to inspire creativity and learn about colour identification from one of the greats." —Anorakmagazine.com

"You can't beat a baby book that offers another level of education beyond simple first concepts." —BambinoGoodies.co.uk

"This lovely, well-conceived example seems liable to leave a lasting impression on a little mind." —The New York Times

"Parents and readers looking for a way to inspire creativity and move beyond basic color identification will do well with this one... An excellent read to kick-start an evolution in budding artist's minds." —Kirkus

"Beautiful... will keep toddlers engaged." —Aldershot News & Mail

From the Publisher

An invitation to practice color recognition through the world of art created by Henri Matisse in the first book in the "First Concepts with Fine Artists" series. As the title indicates, blue is the starting point and other colors are added to the vibrant cutouts of Matisse. As the pages are turned, green, pink, yellow, orange, red and purple are revealed in the wonderful designs of Matisse. Unfortunately, the stimulating and lively colors of Matisse are lost here. It is difficult to tell the difference between the red on one page and the orange on another. The color purple teeters on pink, and the dark blue might look like black to some. Understanding color and shape is a tool for learning many skills from math and science to language and reading, which is why most early books about colors and shapes feature bright primary and secondary colors and simple identifiable shapes for the young child. Discerning the similarities and differences between colors and shapes uses the same skill as recognizing the differences between letters and numerals. Although it is a nice idea to share Matisse's art, identifiable colors are lost in this preschool board book. The last page has a brief description of Matisse's life and artwork for the adult sharing this book with a little one. Reviewer: Kathleen Ulrich; Ages 1 to 3.

Children's Literature - Kathleen Ulrich

2016-04-13
The fine art of Matisse introduces little readers to colors.Matisse's cutouts employed colors and special manipulation to suggest shape. Here, the famous artist's work is used to familiarize little ones with the variety of color the world has to offer and how these colors can work with one another. The cutouts employ blues, greens, blacks, oranges, and yellows, and the narrative text points out each color and how it's used in each print. "Green and blue again, and, hey, what's that other color? / It looks like purple!" The names of colors mentioned are printed in the appropriate hues. The final page of the board book provides a short note about Henri Matisse and his body of work, and a key to the artworks reproduced appears in teeny-tiny type on the inside of the front cover. Parents and readers looking for a way to inspire creativity and move beyond basic color identification will do well with this one, but those whose children are just starting to tell the difference between blue and green may want to wait a bit before adding this board book to the storytime stack.An excellent read to kick-start an evolution in budding artist's minds. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)

Kirkus Reviews