Children's Book Review: You Are My Work of Art by Sue DiCicco

 

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
• Paperback: 16 pages
• Publisher: Running Press Kids; Brdbk edition (August 9, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762441976
• ISBN-13: 978-0762441976
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.5 x 1 inches 
• Buy now at Amazon.com

Summary:

Everyone is as unique and beautiful as a classic work of art, whether you are Great Wave Off Kanagawa “with the power of the sea,” or Starry Night, “a galaxy of love.” Lift the flaps to reveal classic works of art beneath! Accompanying each masterpiece is a creative, colorful, and kid-oriented illustration, depicting children in a scene analogous to the one in the famous work. Every spread includes a loving poem about what makes you a unique work of art—just like the classic paintings and sculptures underneath the flaps!

Children will be delighted to learn about the work of famous artists, like Mary Cassatt and Vincent van Gogh, in this die-cut picture frame format. Each classic painting or sculpture is labeled with the title, the artist, and the year the painting was created—providing an early exposure to worldly works of art!

My Thoughts:

When it comes to children's books, I am always on the lookout for book that not only have great story lines and captivating illustrations, but that all teach children a lesson or more about a topic, etc.  Take for example my review post earlier today on Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet. In this book, the reader learned about the puppeteer behind all the beautiful upside down puppets we see annually during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  And, in Sue DiCicco's book, You Are My Work of Art, she ties in famous artists and their paintings.  This book contains flip open flaps that you can lift up to expose information on famous prints and portraits and more information on them.  Through her text, Sue not only entertains, but educates both young children and adults about art and popular artists and their work.  Even if you are not an art buff, you will fall in love with this board book and their beautiful illustrations and images throughout the book.  Savannah was mesmerized by the colorful illustrations and being able to lift the flaps.  Even though she is too young right now to understand about the artists and famous portraits that are included in this book, I know that this book will be enjoyed for years to come.  And, who knows, maybe it will spark an artistic cord in her and make her want to learn more about art, etc.

If you are like me and like books that are not only fun to read, but are also educational and promote conversations with your child, why not check out Sue DiCicco's book, You Are My Work of Art today.  Not only will your child discover unforgettable works of art, but through this heartfelt story, you can express how much they mean to you, and that they are unique and loved in so many ways.  This makes for a great bedtime book to bond with your little ones.

About the Author:

Sue DiCicco is a former Disney animator and the author/illustrator of many beloved storybooks for children. Sue also sculpts, specializing in portraiture. She lives in Santa Barbara, California, where she dons both superhero cape and princess tiara with equal grace and aplomb.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the author in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.