ABCs of Art (Sabrina Hahn's Art & Concepts for Kids)

Caregivers eager to expose their children to fine art have better choices than this. (Informational picture book. 3-5)

PreS-Gr 1--In this early introduction to art, a letter of the alphabet begins a word that appears as or suggests a detail in a master painting. Each page features a letter-word pair, along with a painting that highlights the word and a rhyming couplet whose second line includes the name of the painter. Each painting is labeled with its title, artist, and year of creation. A question on each page either invites readers to examine the painting closely or to think critically. The paintings include works from artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer, and the major French impressionists and post-impressionists; most were produced between the 18th and the 20th centuries. Only one (a copy of an ancient Egyptian wall painting done by a female British archaeologist) represents non-Western, nonwhite culture; besides the former, only one woman's (Mary Cassatt) art appears. The rhymes are mostly clunky and don't scan or read well. Questions posed to readers sometimes miss the mark, as they don't always get at the most interesting or important details in the paintings. Moreover, contrary to accepted early-learning strategies, the targeted word on each page is presented in all caps. Strangely, in the back matter, where readers are informed of the paintings' locations around the world, the targeted words are correctly shown printed in the capital and lower-case letters. VERDICT Attractive but unessential. Recommended for larger public collections.--Carol Goldman, formerly at Queens Library, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"ABCs of Art is a surprisingly fresh take on the classic children's ABCs book . . . helping to mold your child into the budding art sophisticate of your dreams." —Vanity Fair, Best Books of 2019

"Supermom Serena Williams reaches for this children's book, which boasts a playful introduction to iconic artworks, with multiple layers of meaning for little ones." —US Weekly

"For younger children, the excellent ABCs of Art by Sabrina Hahn uses some of the world's most iconic paintings to learn the alphabet." —Telegraph

"A fun way to inspire children's imagination and creativity!" —Serena Williams

"A thoughtful and playful introduction to iconic artworks, with multiple layers of meaning for children and parents alike. ABCs of Art is a book to return to time and again." —Richard Armstrong, Director of the Guggenheim Museum

"ABCs of Art introduces young minds to masterworks with playful rhymes. Be art smart. It is never too early to build art vocabulary and understanding." —Paula Crown, Artist and Trustee of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

"Art connects us all on the deepest level and this book will inspire young minds." —Ken Griffin, Founder & CEO of Citadel, trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago, and trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art

"It opens a magic door into the kingdom of art for young readers." —Dr. Joseph Connors, Professor of History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University

"Art history and the alphabet coincide in this lovely homage to the creative spirit. A book that will bring joy and love of art to children everywhere." —Benjamin de Menil, Trustee of the Menil Collection

"The ABCs of Art entices young readers to let their imaginations soar and connect with art in new ways. A fantastic way to encourage young artists to thrive!" —Michelle Park, Emmy award-winning food and lifestyle host, and the host of the podcast MOMS GOT THIS

"Perfect for both growing grandkids and budding young art lovers, this curated alphabet book offers an introduction to works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Mary Cassatt while teaching basic skills—including lessons on colors by looking at Monet's "Water Lilies" and counting via Cezanne's "The Basket of Apples." —Closer Weekly

"Children are never too young to be introduced to great art." —Seattle Book Review

"Children get an amazing introduction to fine art in this alphabetical collection . . . of iconic images drawn from museum paintings and enhanced with kid-friendly conversational questions and playful poetry." —In Touch Weekly