Art

I bought this for my niece, who is four, and I can report that she loved it once I sent it to her after having 'read and re-read' it myself. Her mother also enjoyed the 'Art' experience... Beautiful book for anyone.

I agree w/ the elementary teacher who commented about 'grownup art not being sufficient if Mcdonnell's celebrating children's art'. It was my first reaction when I saw the images (I'm also a teacher). HOWEVER, since this book makes no claims to be original children's art, I can love this book unconditionally. I read through it and I have to say that the book is beautiful. It echoes children's art, the freedom and joy of movement even though it's drawn by a seasoned artist. In this way does Mcdonnell celebrate children's art even if he cannot recreate it. The world created in the book is as whimsical as any story I've watched pre-K kids create. The narration is beautiful. I love this book and have added it to my personal collection.

I love this book! I am a mom of three under 5 years old, and this book rings true to me. Everyday, I receive "gifts" of art from my children that look much like the books' character Art's doodles, and as their mom (and just like Art's mom), I love their art! My kids love the book because Art's art looks like their art so they can relate as well. It's a book for the whole family. And regarding another reviewer's comment on how the book could be improved with different colors and art, I believe that if asked, all readers could think of ways how any book could be improved more to their liking, and that's why people write their own books, to have it their own way. For example, I may have liked the book even more if the author used more sparkly looking art which my daughter really enjoys or even named the character after my daughter which would make the book especially endearing to us, but you can't always have a book reflect your own personal taste. So, having said that, I still love the book, and think it does appeal to a wide audience...kids and parents! :-)

This is a wonderful book about the process of - and love of - art. The colors are gorgeous, and the drawings are precious. This is a great book for reading aloud to a child and will provide inspiration for creativity. I am going to buy one for all the children in my life.

In this book the reader sees how being creative can be so much fun! As a mother I can remember all those "masterpieces" my daughter and son would skillfully craft for me. I have many of those pieces of art tucked away for a day in the future when I can place those treasures back in my child's hands. I know they will beam a smile as the memories return them to a place and a time not so long ago when life was simple - the place of course, is childhood. If you enjoyed The Gift of Nothing I think this book would also be a terrific choice for your library. I especially like the ending! Mother's do love art! Check it out!