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    The Children's Book Review

    Books About Art for the Youngest Readers

    Luisa LaFleurBy Luisa LaFleur4 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Art Picture Books
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    By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: April 26, 2013

    A new crop of art books, inspired by geometric shapes, are making their way to bookstores near you. Here are a few of the most interesting ones we’ve come across.

    JustLineAround-CCR3Just Line Around

    by Kinsy McVay

    Reading level: Ages 0-6

    Paperback: 47 pages

    Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press

    What to expect: A talking line; shapes and drawings; creative artistic expression

    In this whimsical book, readers are introduced to the concept of a line, one of the fundamental building blocks of a work of art. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. Their importance lies in that their presence can lead your eye around a composition and can communicate information through their character and direction. In the simplest terms, Kinsy McVay illustrates for young readers the many ways that a simple line can convey form and shape in a drawing. Stew, the horizontal line, finds ways to move and transform across the pages in a stark black and white landscape, sparking imagination and creativity. Just Line Around is also available in Spanish as “Entre Lineas.”

    AndrewDrewAnDrewAndrew Drew and Drew

    by Barney Saltzberg

    Reading level: Ages 3-6

    Hardcover: 30 pages

    Publisher: Abrams Appleseed

    What to expect: A young boy’s creative drawings; imaginative play

    In Andrew Drew and Drew, author Barney Saltzberg introduces readers to the joys of doodling and drawing from imagination. The clever illustrations include flaps and pull out pages that change what is originally perceived into a new and wholly ingenious drawing.

    LotsOfDotsLots of Dots

    by Craig Frazier

    Reading level: Ages 2-5

    Hardcover: 33 pages

    Publisher: Chronicle Books

    What to expect: Colorful drawings about dots

    Lots of Dots illustrates how our most common objects can transform in a vast array of objects—it just takes a moment to look and see the essence of a shape. Dots can be anything: wheels, balloons, bubbles, stars. The illustrations are lively and colorful and perfectly demonstrate how we are surrounded by dots. A perfect book for encouraging toddlers to look at and observe their surroundings.

    perfectSquarePerfect Square

    by Michael Hall

    Reading level: Ages 3-5

    Paperback: 36 pages

    Publisher: Greenwillow Books

    What to expect: Picture book; basic shapes; imaginative drawing

    A perfect square is a thing of beauty with its “four matching corners and four equal sides,” until one day when it is transformed by the cruel hand of fate. The square gets ripped and crumpled and poked full of holes but it finds a way to make itself perfect and beautiful again. Perfect Square is a simple and enticing book about shapes and using one’s imagination to make the most of what can sometimes be imperfect situations.

    ALongPieceOfStringA Long Piece of String

    by William Wondriska

    Reading level: Ages 4-7

    Paperback: 38 pages

    Publisher: Chronicle Books

    What to expect: Alphabet drawings; imaginative creations

    In this new edition of a work originally published in 1963, readers follow a winding, curling, swinging string across pages and images. The string wraps itself around a large assortment of interesting characters until reaching the final page, when the link that ties the drawings together is revealed. A beautifully illustrated book that will captivate the youngest readers.

    PressHerePress Here

    by Hervé Tullet

    Reading level: Ages 0-5

    Paperback: 54 pages

    Publisher: Chronicle Books

    What to expect: An “interactive” book about dots

    This whimsical picture book is sure to be a hit with any age reader—my 5 and 7 year olds absolutely love it! The book requires simple interactions that result in unexpected and zany drawings. Pressing on a dot on one page results in more dots when the reader turns the page. Shaking the book results in a multiplication effect. You get the idea. The book is simple and colorful and perfect for teaching numbers, colors, and action/reaction effects.

    What to Read Next:

    1. Pefrect Square by Michael Hall
    2. Andrew Drew & Drew – Picture Book Trailer
    3. Q&A with Hervé Tullet (Yes, It Rhymes!)
    4. November, 2011: Best Selling Kids’ Books, New Releases, and More …

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Barney Saltzberg Craig Frazier Herve Tullet Kinsy McVay Michael Hall William Wondriska
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    Previous ArticleA Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World: If You Were Me and Lived in … Mexico … — Dedicated Review
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    Luisa LaFleur
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    Luisa LaFleur reviews bilingual books for The Children’s Book Review to help parents choose the best books for their budding linguists. She was born in Argentina, attended school in NYC and speaks three foreign languages–Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Formerly an editor in NYC, Luisa is currently a stay-at-home mom to two little ones.

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