Oooh! Matisse

I thought that this was a very clever way to get young children interested in the work of the artist Matisse. Throughout the book the author questioned the children, challenging them to identify the subject that had been painted onto the page. Initially the painting consisted of two colors eventually a third color was added. I thought that it was a clever concept to get children to understand the work of Matisse. It challenged children's imagination. It reminded me of laying on my back as a child and trying to find pictures in the clouds. However, there is where the similarities end, As the reader gets to the end of the book, he/she meets Matisse in the form of a photograph. Then the reader gets to see the Matisse masterpieces from show more which the paintings that were featured throughout the book were taken. It was a quick read and geared for children K-4th grade. Teaching ideas include art class, and creative writing. show less

This book is a first introduction to the work of Matisse, and I would hope, helps them appreciate his artwork throughout life. The illustrations are of five differnt pieces, and the text makes up a story to go with them. It could also be used as an example of how to write a story based on abstract art--the class could publish a book together based on a different artist's work.