Product Description
DESCRIPTION: In the spirit of Harold and the Purple Crayon, Patrick McDonnell's ART introduces you to an imaginative and colorful world of splotches, blotches, squiggles, curlicues, and more. A young artist, Art is your lively guide into this captivating and dynamic book. Art celebrates art (and Art) with a simple text that's full of life, creations that practically dance off the pages, and a surprising and heartwarming ending. It is an expression of pure joy.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 7 reviews)

Wonderful book for children and adults

I bought this for my niece, who is four, and I can report that she loved it once I sent it to her after having 'read and re-read' it myself. Her mother also enjoyed the 'Art' experience... Beautiful book for anyone.
September 21, 2008

Worlds at the tip of your paintbrush

I agree w/ the elementary teacher who commented about 'grownup art not being sufficient if Mcdonnell's celebrating children's art'. It was my first reaction when I saw the images (I'm also a teacher).

HOWEVER, since this book makes no claims to be original children's art, I can love this book unconditionally. I read through it and I have to say that the book is beautiful. It echoes children's art, the freedom and joy of movement even though it's drawn by a seasoned artist. In this way does Mcdonnell celebrate children's art even if he cannot recreate it. The world created in the book is as whimsical as any story I've watched pre-K kids create. The narration is beautiful.

I love this book and have added it to my personal collection.
January 02, 2007

Love art + Am a Mom = LOVE this book!

I love this book! I am a mom of three under 5 years old, and this book rings true to me. Everyday, I receive "gifts" of art from my children that look much like the books' character Art's doodles, and as their mom (and just like Art's mom), I love their art! My kids love the book because Art's art looks like their art so they can relate as well. It's a book for the whole family. And regarding another reviewer's comment on how the book could be improved with different colors and art, I believe that if asked, all readers could think of ways how any book could be improved more to their liking, and that's why people write their own books, to have it their own way. For example, I may have liked the book even more if the author used more sparkly looking art which my daughter really enjoys or even named the character after my daughter which would make the book especially endearing to us, but you can't always have a book reflect your own personal taste. So, having said that, I still love the book, and think it does appeal to a wide audience...kids and parents! :-)
September 27, 2006

I love this book!

This is a wonderful book about the process of - and love of - art. The colors are gorgeous, and the drawings are precious. This is a great book for reading aloud to a child and will provide inspiration for creativity. I am going to buy one for all the children in my life.
April 15, 2006

A playful book filled with splashes of color ...

In this book the reader sees how being creative can be so much fun! As a mother I can remember all those "masterpieces" my daughter and son would skillfully craft for me. I have many of those pieces of art tucked away for a day in the future when I can place those treasures back in my child's hands. I know they will beam a smile as the memories return them to a place and a time not so long ago when life was simple - the place of course, is childhood. If you enjoyed The Gift of Nothing I think this book would also be a terrific choice for your library. I especially like the ending! Mother's do love art! Check it out!

April 08, 2006

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

The Gift of Nothing
by Patrick McDonnell

Hug Time
by Patrick McDonnell

Just Like Heaven: A Mutts Children's Book
by Patrick McDonnell

The Dot (Irma S and James H Black Honor for Excellence in Children's Literature (Awards))
by Peter H. Reynolds

Ish
by Peter H. Reynolds