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All images courtesy of Phaidon, shared with permission

Two Decades After Its Release, ‘The Art Book for Children’ Gets a Vibrant Makeover

Kate Mothes

First published in 1997, Phaidon’s The Art Book has long been a go-to source for introductions to some of the most influential artists. Spanning medieval to modern times, the volume contains more than 600 works and is available in 20 languages.

About two decades ago, the iconic title received another type of translation geared specifically toward younger art lovers when editors released The Art Book for Children.

a book spread featuring a cloud work by Georgia O'keefe with text about the piece

That kids’ edition presents a bite-sized, accessible version of The Art Book and was recently updated and revised. The new volume features 30 artists from its predecessor along with 30 additions, bringing together the most significant names from art history like Katsushika Hokusai, Jackson Pollock, and Frida Kahlo. Each spread includes one or more works by each artist and a fun, informative text, inviting children to look closely and discover a variety of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more.

The Art Book for Children will be released on May 22 and is available for pre-order in the Colossal Shop.

a print of a pink mountain and blue water and trees surrounding
Katsushika Hokusai
vincent van gogh's iconic the starry night painting with a swirling blue sky and town below. plus a self portrait of the artist and brief text
Vincent Van Gogh
an open book spread with a large spider sculpture in a public place. on the left side the page says Louise Bourgeois and Artistic Arachnids
a painting of a woman in a gold gown and a man rising from his throne-like chair
Artemisia Gentileschi, “Esther Before Ahasuerus” (1622), oil on canvas
an open book spread with a portrait of Frida Kahlo and her dog and monkey with text about her and Portraits with Pets on the left page
the cover of the art book for children

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