The Story of Paintings For Children
An illustrated history

The Story of Paintings

The book "The Story of Paintings: A History of Art for Children," written by Mick Manning and Brita Granström, offers a captivating introduction to art for young readers. It guides children through a visual exploration of painting history, starting from ancient cave art and progressing to contemporary pieces.

Overview

This beautifully illustrated book features 39 significant paintings, representing various styles and eras. It highlights renowned artworks like:

  • Cave Paintings from the Lascaux Caves
  • "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli
  • "Las Meninas" by Velázquez
  • Masterpieces by artists like Dalí, Picasso, Kahlo, and Basquiat.

Each painting includes a brief artist profile and child-friendly illustrations, making the content accessible and engaging. The book encourages children to interact by prompting them with questions about the art, like, “What do you think Mona Lisa is smiling about?” This approach aims to spark curiosity and deepen young readers' appreciation for art.

Educational Value

Beyond introducing famous artworks, "The Story of Paintings For Children" fosters critical thinking and creativity. By encouraging children to delve into the stories and emotions behind the paintings, it enhances their observational skills and artistic sensibility. The book balances information and entertainment, making it a valuable tool for parents and educators seeking to introduce art history to children.

Author: Mick Manning and Brita Granström

Mick and Brita are renowned for their captivating children's books blending education with entertainment. Their vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling make complex topics like history and science accessible and fun. The duo's books, such as "The Brontës – Children of the Moors," combine factual content with captivating narratives. Brita Granström's artwork brings stories to life with vivid colors and intricate details, complementing Mick Manning's texts. Together, they create visually stunning and educational resources loved by both educators and young readers.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Frankin Watts
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 88 pages
  • Dimensions: 23.8 x 0.8 x 29.4 cm
  • Reading age: 7 - 9 years old
  • Publication date: 14 Oct. 2021
  • ISBN: 1445150034

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How can "The Story of Paintings For Children" help when teaching a KS1 "Vincent van Gogh" art and design topic?

Mick Manning and Brita Granström author

The Story of Paintings: A history of art for children can significantly enhance a KS1 art and design topic focused on Vincent van Gogh by providing engaging, age-appropriate content that fosters creativity and understanding of art concepts. Here’s how it can be beneficial:

Engaging Content

  • Visual Appeal: The story format captures children's attention through vivid illustrations and narratives about Van Gogh's life and works, making art more relatable and exciting for young learners.
  • Simplified Concepts: It breaks down complex ideas about color, technique, and emotion in art into simpler terms that children can grasp, which is essential for their developmental stage.

Interactive Learning

  • Hands-On Activities: The resource often includes activities that encourage children to create their own artworks inspired by Van Gogh. For example, projects like creating a seascape using primary colors can help them apply what they learn in a practical way.
  • Discussion Starters: The stories can serve as a springboard for discussions about art, encouraging children to express their thoughts and feelings about what they see, thus enhancing their verbal skills alongside artistic ones.

Cultural Context

  • Understanding the Artist: By learning about Van Gogh's life, including his struggles and inspirations, children gain a deeper appreciation of his work. This context can help them understand the emotional depth behind his paintings, such as "The Starry Night".
  • Exploring Themes: Stories can guide discussions on themes present in Van Gogh's work, like nature and color perception, allowing children to explore these concepts creatively.

Supporting Resources

  • Supplementary Materials: Many teaching resources accompany The Story of Paintings for Children, such as lesson plans, videos, and printable activities that further enhance the learning experience. These materials are designed to be easy to integrate into classroom settings.
  • Literacy Connections: The integration of literature with art helps reinforce literacy skills while exploring artistic concepts. Books related to Van Gogh's themes can be paired with the story to deepen understanding.

In summary, The Story of Paintings: A history of art for children provides a multifaceted approach to teaching about Vincent van Gogh in KS1 settings. Its engaging narrative style, interactive activities, cultural context, and supporting resources make it an effective tool for fostering creativity and appreciation of art among young learners.

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