A winged, headless goddess from the third century; a gigantic tube of toothpaste; a tribal mask; a Buddha of solid gold - these are some of the creations featured in this book of sculptures that children will be able to learn from whilst having fun. Children naturally respond to shape, size, texture and colour, and will hugely enjoy this close look at thirteen of the world's most fascinating sculptures, including works by Michelangelo, Rodin, Giacometti, and Bourgeois. Shaped from wood, stone, metal and plastic, these artworks tell us much about the culture in which they were created. Each page is filled with colourful photographs and accessible information about the work, the artist who created it and the world in which it was made. Various games and puzzles enhance this introduction to three-dimensional masterpieces, which is certain to whet its young readers' appetites for more.

For as long as people have been viewing the masterpieces in this book, they've been asking the same questions: Why is the Mona Lisa smiling? Who was that girl with the pearl earring? What made Magritte's reading woman so frightened? These and other great mysteries of the art world are explored in this colourful, fun, and informative children's book. Each masterpiece is presented in a double page spread with stunning reproductions, biographical information about the artist, historical context and the pressing questions themselves. From Bosch to Banksy, the mysterious life of Caravaggio to the strange room in Velazques' Las Meninas, Surrealism to stolen art-young readers' interests in some of the world's great masterpieces will be piqued by the puzzles they offer and that remain unsolved to this day.

Whether it's Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, Vermeer's vibrant depictions of light, Van Gogh's mesmerizing brush strokes, or Matisse's playful cutouts, the art featured here is introduced in a format and style that will appeal to children. The book proceeds chronologically, accompanied by a timeline to offer helpful historical context. Each artist's entry includes a concise biography, beautiful reproductions of major works, and lively texts that speak directly to young readers. Games, quizzes and other activities help readers learn about the significant contributions of each artist in a way that is both fun and inspiring. Additional information about museums, suggestions for further reading, and online resources will satisfy the most curious minds.

People of all ages are fascinated by Mona Lisa's beguiling smile, Van Gogh's hypnotic night sky, and Frida Kahlo's depiction of herself with a monkey. These paints and ten others are featured in the book in large reproductions with accompanying details. The readable text offers biographical information about each artist and important facts about the painting's technical and historical aspects. Games, quizzes, and colouring exercises provide additional opportunities for young readers to interact with the artworks, while a timeline throughout the book allows for easy historical orientation. Readers will return again and again to these works, which provide continued opportunities for contemplation and discovery.

What's the difference between watercolour and gouache, or between a collage and an assemblage? How are frescoes and mosaics made? Why do prints look so different from each other? These questions and others are explored through major works of art in dazzling colour reproductions. Children will learn about drawing through cave paintings and Leonardo's sketches, they will understand how Holbein and van Gogh used oil paints to vastly different effect or what Henri Matisse accomplished with coloured paper and a pair of sharp scissors. Along the way they will be encouraged to make their own masterpieces using similar techniques to the masters.