From the first cave paintings to contemporary digital art, A History of Pictures for Children takes young readers on an extraordinary visual journey through thousands of years of human creativity.
Created by renowned art historian David Hockney and author Martin Gayford, this richly illustrated introduction to art explores how people have used pictures to tell stories, record history, express ideas, and see the world in new ways. Along the way, readers encounter ancient murals, Renaissance masterpieces, photography, comic books, film, and computer-generated imagery, discovering how artists across cultures and centuries have changed the way we look at life.
Accessible, engaging, and filled with fascinating details, this unique book encourages children to become careful observers and curious thinkers. Side-by-side comparisons, surprising connections, and vivid illustrations reveal that every picture has a story to tell.
Perfect for budding artists, museum lovers, teachers, and families, A History of Pictures for Children is an inspiring introduction to art, creativity, and visual storytelling that will spark curiosity long after the final page.
"A brilliant, knockout collaboration—one that will continue to excite, provoke, and engage kids and their grown-ups." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise
**STARRED REVIEW**Kirkus Reviews
"A brilliant, knockout collaboration—one that will continue to excite, provoke, and engage kids and their grown-ups."
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**STARRED REVIEW**The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A lively, curious, and deeply informative book about art"
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"The authors’ knowledge and insight, shared in clear, straightforward language, helps readers understand how various artistic techniques and tools have been similar through the ages."School Library Journal
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"Famed contemporary painter Hockney, along with art critic Gayford, offer an inviting, pleasant stroll through art history in this colorful, winsomely illustrated volume . . . Blake’s genial, bright cartoonish art, scattered throughout the page, adds to the welcoming atmosphere . . . the tools Hockney and Gayford use to talk about everything from prehistoric handprints to iPhone photography will spark kids thinking about what constitutes art."Booklist
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"Contemporary British artist David Hockney and art critic Martin Gayford join forces to look at art using a fresh spin . . . This is an appealing new way of looking at artwork."School Library Connection
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"A History of Pictures for Children offers a captivating survey of art that ranges from cave painting to Neolithic times to the modern self. Blake's engaging design forms the background--great works of art constitute the foreground--for an accessible yet highbrow conversation between artist David Hockney and art critics Martin Gayford."The Wall Street Journal
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