Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Review for Blue & Other Colors by Henri Matisse



Blue & Other Colors by Henri Matisse
Phaidon Press
Series: First Concepts with Fine Arts
April 18th, 2016
ISBN-10: 0714871427
ISBN-13: 978-0714871424
Ages: 2-4 years old
30 Pages   






Children’s Book                 Board Books     Colors and Shapes

Brilliantly colorful cut-outs are used to teach colors and shapes in this board book designed with artwork by Henri Matisse.

Blue & Other Colors takes children through Matisse's color palette by showing his various collages.  From simple collages to more complex each page focuses on certain colors. Though the book doesn't focus on shapes, it could have. Matisse uses various abstract shapes in his cut outs where many are randomly set.  The author also focuses on the color blue, yet they do mention various other colors.

Matisse tries to use various shapes, depth, and scale to his cut outs, but many seem very elementary. Children will be able to relate to this simplicity trying to duplicate his work. The text is straightforward, easy for young children ages 1-3 years old to be able to listen to and repeat.

The information about Matisse will interest young readers that is found in the back of the book, though many will not understand his cut out technique. Using gouache paint and various sized scissors to create his affects Matisse really tried to create something different in the later part of his life when his mobility began to fail him. The cut outs in each collage are relateable to children and is something that parents might appreciate as well.

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