Kids’ Book Review: 13 Sculptures Children Should Know
March 2, 2011 MuseumKid
Why 13? I’m not sure, but this informative and engaging kids’ book “13 Sculptures Children Should Know” is one in a series of children’s art books by Angela Wenzel, a museum educator in Germany. I spend a lot of time in the MoMA bookstore and found this there but you can also find it on Amazon. These books are for kids that are more interested and educated in art than the average because of the depth and amount of the information, about age 10-13. It has a more dry and informative undertone and does not come across too childish but the colorful way the information is displayed is fun to follow- great for children with a growing knowledge and curiosity for art (I actually learned a few things too)!
There are a broad range of sculptures pictured, from classical to modern and …
…from museum pieces to large outdoor sculptures. I’ve never seen this sculpture, Cloud Gate (below) in person but the warping reflection is so intriguing that it makes me want to take the trip to Chicago to see it!
The time-lines across the top and fact sheets along the sides of the pages make this book particularly informative and easy for children to follow.
I’ll feature more of the books in the series in the future. The whole set together would make a memorable birthday gift for a child!
FYI-I didn’t receive any compensation for this book review. I personally stumbled upon this book and liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you. I think that it is something parents and kids will find entertaining, as well as being educational.
©2011 Danee Gilmartin All rights reserved
Comments
Erika 10.18.2011
Thank you for your great review. These have been great family time books. I found them at the National Gallery of Art and have been reading them with my 4 and 6 year old sons before bed and on the weekends; these open up great lines of conversation. I think it is an excellent series of books to grow into. I’ve purchased the “50 (fill in the blank) you should know” as gifts for older kids/pre-teens. My junior high aged nieces and nephews have thus far liked them.
Leana Rouche 03.2.2011
Thanks for doing these book reviews. They give me good ideas for new ways to teach my kids about art. I have a 10 year old that loves painting and a 8 year that I just signed up for a ceramics class, so these books are great for them.
Stephanie K. 03.2.2011
My kids love these books. I have 13 American Artists Children Should Know. I’m going to get this one next, it looks fun.
MuseumChick 03.2.2011
Hi Stephanie- nice to hear kids are liking these books. I found them fun too. Maybe I should put up 13 American Artists next!