Books bring art to kids

The importance of art education for children is undeniable. However, with declining school budgets, it may be up to parents to bring art into the lives of youngsters.

For the past few years, art and artists have appeared in both fiction and nonfiction as subjects or subplots. Blue Balliett's "Chasing Vermeer" (a valuable Johannes Vermeer painting disappears) and "The Wright" (child sleuths attempt to save the Frank Lloyd Wright landmark house in Hyde Park) are two examples. Both are published by Scholastic.

Based on real characters, "I Am Rembrandt's Daughter" by Lynne Cullen (Bloomsbury) recounts the life of one of the world's greatest artists. Cornelia, the daughter, cares for her father through scandal, secrets and near madness. While the fictionalized life is apparent, allusion to his art makes this a winning read for middle grades and young adults.

Nonfiction art books and artist series are numerous, spanning classical periods to modernistic artists. Diane Stanley's "Leonardo da Vinci" is a beginning biography with carefully planned art examples. "My Name is Georgia," a biography of Georgia O'Keefe by Jeannette Winter (Silver Whistle) is short enough to hold the interest of young readers. Dorling Kindersley's "Discover Great Painters" provides a more eclectic overview of artists and their works.

Many picture books provide impressive exposures to art. The "Touch the Art" series (Sterling) introduces great masterpieces in interactive board books. From Frida Kahlo to Marc Chagall, Paul Cezanne to Jacob Lawrence, George Seurat to Andy Warhol, young readers can touch, rub and tug parts of the paintings. For example, the fringe on Kahlo's shawl ("Self Portrait") and a velvet collar in Chagall's "Birthday" are all tactile and inviting. The lid can be lifted on Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Can"; there are feathers on the angels in Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" and jewelry on Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring." "Artfacts" at the end of each book outlines pertinent information about the artist, style and media, making this series appropriate for all ages.

"Katie Meets the Impressionists" by James Mayhew (Scholastic) follows his other works: "Katie and the Mona Lisa," "Katie and the Sunflowers" and "Katie's Sunday Afternoon." In each a child visits museums and ultimately experiences paintings while interacting with the artists.