Delightful summer reading… During another trip to the library this week, I found three little books on art from a series co-published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What Makes a Monet a Monet? and What Makes a Picasso a Picasso? and What Makes a Goya a Goya? were written by Richard Muhlberger for young readers (ages 9-12), an age where a lot of my heart resides. But they are nicely written, are not condescending (this adult enjoyed them), and are full of interesting information and insights. Some other artists in the series include Van Gogh, Leonardo, Rembrandt, Cassatt, Raphael, and Degas. I love reading about art! When I grow up I want to be an art historian!
A Fondness For Reading
…thoughts, memories, and ideas from a lifetime of reading
A Fondness For Reading 
These books sound great. I’m going to make a note of them for when my daughter is older.
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Thanks for the recommendations! I bought my granddaughter a couple of art books for Christmas–one was for children, the other just had wonderful paintings to enjoy. I’ll be looking for these.
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Robin,
I think books such as these are excellent ways to introduce children to the world of fine art.
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These sound fabulous. I have an 11-year-old boy who could use accessible art books, so I think I’ll be getting these! Thanks so much for the recommendations. I always appreciate your knowledge and advice for books for my kids.
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Thanks Tara, JenClair, Elaine, and Gentle Reader,
I think this series is very nicely done and the kids would enjoy them. I haven’t tested them out on my students, but I’d love to have them for my class library and then see what kind of use they get. I’m enjoying them!
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I’m always so happy to see books coming out that introduce young readers to classic arts in a way that they’ll enjoy!
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Robin, Haha, you are your father’s daughter.
mom
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I used having young children as an excuse to buy lots of children’s books, but the truth is that sometimes they’re the best option when you want to dip your toes into a new subject. The art books sound wonderful.
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My all-time favorite classes in college (as a non-traditional student) were art history.
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Heather, I agree. It’s hard to find really good introductions to art for young people. These are quite well done and are very informative about the technique of an artist’s work, as well as about his/her life.
Hi Mom, so the apple didn’t fall very far from the tree?
Bookfool, I agree. I often read books for young people as part of my own learning about a topic I’m interested in. This series is particularly well done, and I felt I learned a lot about artists I’ve already read about.
Les, I loved taking some of those art history classes, too. Maybe it’s time I sign up for another (as a non-traditional student, because having to write papers, etc., makes me tired to think about!)!
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