First Concepts with Fine Artists
6 total works
Henri Matisse’s abstract cut-outs are used to teach colours in this innovative read-aloud board book
Blue & Other Colours takes children through Henri Matisse’s colour palette, one artwork per page, beginning with blue and returning to it as a familiar refrain throughout. The variance of shapes, depth, and scale of the shapes on each page will keep readers engaged, while the text enriches the reading experience with relatable commentary that encourages conversation.
Henri Matisse's innovative use of colour 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.
Through this groundbreaking book, readers will not only learn their colours, but also grow familiar with fine art.
Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, and Josef Albers.
Age range: 1-3 years
A groundbreaking study of animals through the rarely seen sketches by legendary artist Pablo Picasso
The masterful drawings of Pablo Picasso teach animal recognition to the youngest readers in this artful, read-aloud board book. Birds & Other Animals takes children through Picasso’s series of single-line animal drawings, beginning and ending with various kinds of birds.
Pablo Picasso was one of the twentieth century's most influential artists, as well as a co-creator of Cubism. He produced over 50,000 paintings, drawings, engravings, sculptures, and ceramics throughout his life, and his work continues to be among the world's most exhibited and collected.
The clever and whimsical charm of Picasso's sketches are accompanied by witty text that can be used to start discussions, through which children will not only broaden their visual definitions of which animals are which, but also grow familiar with fine art.
Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Henri Matisse, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, and Josef Albers.
Age range: 1-3 years
Learn the wonder of different shapes through the art of Josef Albers
Squares & Other Shapes uses the vivid artworks of Josef Albers to guide children through a wide range of geometrics, one artwork per page, beginning with squares and returning to them as a familiar refrain throughout. The variations between the vibrant shapes adds to the book’s visual richness, and the accompanying text provides a relatable and engaging commentary that will encourage discussion.
Josef Albers was a leading pioneer of 20th-century Modernism, best known for his Homages to the Square paintings, and his publication Interaction of Color. Albers was a teacher, a writer, a painter, a theorist, and, in this groundbreaking book, his influential art is used to teach shapes, one of the most important concepts for young children to learn.
Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Ellsworth Kelly, and Alexander Calder.
Ages 1-3
Ellsworth Kelly’s paintings and sculptures are the heroes of this visual exploration of opposites
Up, Down & Other Opposites pairs different combinations of Ellsworth Kelly’s paintings and sculptures to teach the youngest readers all about the concept of opposites. The differences between pairs of artworks range from ‘together / apart’ to ‘vertical / horizontal’, from ‘full / empty’ to ‘front / back’ [of a canvas!], forming both an expected and an unexpected visual vocabulary. Created in partnership with the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, the book includes some of Kelly’s most famous works, as well as some of his lesser-known pieces, creating both diversity and playful surprises.
Ellsworth Kelly was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker who became known, post-WWII, as one of the country’s leading abstract artists. His work is internationally known, exhibited, awarded, auctioned, and celebrated.
Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, and Josef Albers.
Age range: 1-3 years
Practice counting using some of the most famous sculptures in the world!
One & Other Numbers features sculptures by master sculptor Alexander Calder. Calder’s playful and often vibrant abstract shapes are highly appealing to young readers and the accompanying text cleverly teaches quantity, a vital early-learning concept. Children will not only grow more familiar with numbers and quantity, but also with the artist and his work.
Alexander Calder is one of the world’s most celebrated sculptors. Best known as the inventor of the mobile, Calder redefined sculpture through introducing the element of movement to his works. In addition to his mobiles, Calder also created static sculptures, called ‘stabiles’, as well as paintings, costumes, and much more besides.
Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly, Henri Matisse, and Josef Albers.
Age range: 1-3 years
