Thursday, March 14, 2013

Book recommendations?

Help! I am in need of your top book recommendations for the elementary art classroom. My principal wants to beef up the art room's book collection and has given me a very generous allowance to purchase books. And she wants me to splurge for hardbacks when possible! Bless her.

So, what are some of your favorites? Help me, people.

(I'll be sharing a new project later today or tomorrow--come back soon, friends!)

8 comments :

  1. Awhile ago I started pinning kids art books as a reference (this is my board: http://pinterest.com/finelines2/kids-books/) I haven't gotten very far in my efforts, BUT if you google search KIDS ART BOOKS PINTEREST you will get some amazing boards with a LOT of books listed, at least for elementary. Good luck, and happy ordering!!!! Lucky you!!

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  2. A few favorites: Dinner at Magritte's (a fun kids' book about Magritte, Dali, and surrealism); Painting with Scissors: Matisse (this is just one of a terrific 'Smart About Art' series of books about artists, written from a kid perspective - others in the series include Monet, van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and more); and Uncle Andy and Uncle Andy's Cats (both about Andy Warhol, written by his nephew). And don't forget Eric Carle's The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse!

    I also like a bunch of books that, while not ABOUT art or artists directly, are great motivators. Here's a few: Not a Box; A Bad Case of Stripes; Tar Beach (Faith Ringgold); and just about anything by Bill Peet - his stories and illustrations are fabulous!

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    1. Thanks! I, too, am hoping for a lot of books of that second variety. I knew you'd come through with some great suggestions! I cannot wait to update my stash of books--so many of the books I have now are falling apart, mostly 'cause they're older than I am. :)

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  3. Here is the link to our curriculum site...it is the books page we developed. They are all kinds of books..not just "art" books.

    http://mnpsfinearts.weebly.com/uploads/5/0/0/3/5003378/books_in_the_art_room_2.pdf

    If you are looking for good "art" books...Getting to Know the Worlds Greatest Artists....Dropping In On.....How Artists See...are all good series.

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    1. This is so helpful! Thank you! I do love the "Getting to Know" series and have a few "Dropping In On" DVDs (I first typed 'videos' before realizing it isn't 1992, ha).

      I student taught in a very big district (Pittsburgh Public Schools), which was such a blessing to experience, as there was a cadre of art teachers with whom to collaborate and plan. Now I am 1 of just 2 elementary art teachers, 5 art teachers district-wide, and it is seriously disheartening sometimes. Resources like yours are a dream come true!

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  4. http://artopedia.blogspot.com/

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    1. Whoa mama! Jackpot! THANKS! I'll be following you now!

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