The Art Book for Children - by Ferren Gipson & Amanda Renshaw & Gilda Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

Invites the reader to take a closer look at works of art while pointing out tiny details hidden in famous works, providing information about a work or an artist, or explaining the techniques used to create the piece.

Book Synopsis

As seen in The Wall Street Journal, WSJ. Magazine, The Guardian, and The Times UK

'A perfect introduction to art for parents and children to enjoy together'. - The Guardian

A brand-new combined, revised, and expanded edition of the ground-breaking, iconic art book series for children - perfect for readers aged 7-12

Two decades ago, Phaidon published the first volume in The Art Book for Children series (adapted especially for children from Phaidon's iconic The Art Book), which quickly became beloved by children and parents the world over. To share its legacy with a new generation of readers, this combined, updated, and expanded edition pairs a selection of 'best of' artists from the original series with 30 brand-new contemporary entries.

This single volume features 60 artists through a wide range of large-scale, full-page reproductions of their artworks, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, video, prints, and installations from across time and space. Each page showcases defining artworks by the artists, combined with an interactive and informative conversation, giving relatable and memorable contexts for children, and inspiring a curiosity and appreciation for the Visual Arts that will continue into adulthood.

With a fresh new design, this book both features the 'best of' from the original two volumes, plus new entries, specially selected in collaboration with art historian and writer, Ferren Gipson.

Ages 7-12

Review Quotes

As seen in The Wall Street Journal, WSJ. Magazine, The Guardian, and The Times UK

'A vibrant version for children breathes new life into that classic format ... It provides a short, sharp jolt of culture for busy adults too ... An eye-popping compendium.' - The Times UK

'Accessible, lively, and informative ... Offers a fascinating immersion in the world of visual art.' - The Guardian

'Brightly colored.' - WSJ. Magazine

'Gorgeous ... Young artists will love it.' - Book Riot

'A simple, effective, and colorful presentation of all the potential that art can be.' - New York Journal of Books

'Invit[es] children to look closely and discover a variety of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more.' - Colossal

'A truly global compilation of some of the world's greatest artists, historical and contemporary, all packaged in a child-friendly fashion.' - GeekDad

'Every household needs a visually stunning art reference book designed specifically for kids. With engaging questions and just the right amount of detail this is one we highly recommend.' - My Book Bloom

'The breadth is enormous and varied, but the playful nature of the presentation makes reading it feel light and joyful.' - Youth Services Book Review, Starred Review

'An excellent resource and just plain fun.' - Cracking the Cover

Praise for The Art Book for Children (2005)

'Designed to fire young imaginations into looking beyond the frame.' - TimeOut

'A real gem ... If only, one can't help thinking, all art books were so much fun.' - Independent

'With beautiful reproductions and stimulating prompts, it's a book you'll return to again and again.' - Junior

About the Author

Ferren Gipson is an art historian, writer, and artist based in London. She is the author of The Ultimate Art Museum and Women's Work, hosts the Art Matters podcast, and is a doctoral researcher at SOAS, University of London. Ferren regularly delivers talks and hosts interviews, having worked with brands and institutions including TEDx, Tate, Esquire Magazine, Sotheby's Institute of Art, and more. She lives in London with her husband and son.

Amanda Renshaw is a curator, writer, editor, and book maker. She was the Editorial Director and Deputy Publisher at Phaidon Press for over 20 years and formerly a specialist in Impressionist and Modern Art at Christies.

Gilda Williams is a contemporary art critic, author, editor, and teacher. She was formerly Commissioning Editor for Contemporary Art at Phaidon and Managing Editor of Flash Art International.