Art and How it Works: An Introduction to Art for Children

This engaging introduction to art appreciation for kids explores art history, themes in art, and art techniques, from cave paintings to modern art.

Art and How It Works takes children on a journey through the history of art, from prehistoric paintings, Impressionism, and abstract art, through to the art of today. This bright and colorful book includes biographies of major artists, such as Fra Angelico and David Hockney, and cuts through the jargon that surrounds the art world to offer a fresh and accessible approach for children.

Young readers will begin to notice and explore shapes, colors, patterns, styles, themes, and techniques. By taking a close look at famous paintings and answering the open-ended question prompts dotted throughout the book, kids will discover a new way to see and appreciate the art all around them.

Ann Kay (author) has written and compiled books, magazines, exhibition catalogs, and websites on art, architecture, and design for all ages. Educated to postgraduate level in art history, her work for DK includes project-managing books with the National Gallery and Royal Academy, and writing for the DK Definitive Guides series titles on Art, Fashion, and Design.

Tomie dePaola (foreword writer) is a beloved children's book writer and illustrator who has written and/or illustrated over 260 books, including Strega Nona, Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose, Oliver Button Is a Sissy, and 26 Fairmount Avenue. Nearly 25 million copies of Tomie's books have been sold around the world.