Introducing Kids to Famous Artists via Books!
with Amy Newbold and Greg Newbold
A common discussion I often have with my Mom friends is how can we introduce our children to art and museums without the inevitable groaning and bored eye rolls that come with it. If Picasso Painted a Snowman and If Monet Painted a Monster written and illustrated by the wife and husband duet, Amy and Greg Newbold, accomplish this goal brilliantly.
Summary: In each book, written by Amy Newbold and illustrated by Greg Newbold, the pair imagines what it would be like if some of the most famous artists painted a snowman or a monster.
Why this is a great read: I can only speak for my own child, but portraits, still lifes and landscapes are not something that naturally capture his attention. Snowmen and monsters, however, he finds a lot more interesting. By recreating great works of art in styles that are accessible for children, the Newbolds introduce children to famous pieces and art movements in a way that is engaging for children. My son loved this snowman duo and I chuckled at how this pair seems considerably less frosty than Grant Wood’s original couple.
My son and I also enjoyed trying to find the snowmen in these replicas of a Mondrian and Delaunay.
The Newbolds’ books also sometimes touch upon deeper themes within the artist’s works that grown-ups can connect with. For example, I love how in If Monet Painted A Monster, Amy Newbold writes, “Edward Hopper’s monster lurks in the shadows…” (Newbold 6). This sentence perfectly captures the haunting loneliness and almost sinister quality that permeates Edward Hopper’s famous Nighthawks painting.
If Picasso Painted A Snowman and If Monet Painted A Monster are the types of children’s books that adults and kids, alike, can enjoy. They will spark your own imagination and actively encourage your child(ren) to get creative. The Newbolds’ include a page in each book where children can draw their own snowman or monster.
What would your snowman or monster look like? Share pictures of art you and your children have made below. I would love to see where your imaginations have taken you!
Very cool.