Oh Louise, this is so fascinating and so beautiful. I hadn’t thought about the impact of art in children’s books in all these ways, but I do know that my daughter’s beloved Madeleine in Paris, Eloise at the Plaza (and others!) and Olivia books, which a friend sent us gifts to her as a little girl, from Canada, had a huge impact on her (AND us!). Even her beloved Maisy board books by Lucy Cousins were so beautifully illustrated, really capturing her imagination – and also Lauren Child’s beautiful version of The Princess and the Pea. But what you write about Yayoi Kusama’s dots, and the connection they symbolise, is so powerful – and I absolutely love that you got to your father the Matisse book. Beyond precious! (As is that photo, top of post! 💖)
Illustrations are such a crucial part of children’s books, easily as important as the words! I love the way my students respond to them. These books really help kids make the connections between art and emotion.
They are all very good friends as well, forgot to add Kevin Murray an Australian. Who lives in Rome for past 60 years, like me, we used to teach together Along with Dennis at ORT school and NDI
Louise this is wonderful and I thank you for enabling children to discover art and make their own. All my book covers and many illustrations come from my artist friends , perhaps you know some of them : here are a few : Patricia Glee Smith who lives in Otricoli, Justin Bradshaw has a studio in the woods of Corchiano where he creates his natural colors, Valerio Cugia now in Belgium did the fresco cycle in my library Michele Telari in Viterbo, Kelly Medford just moved to Mompeo from Rome….
Oh Louise, this is so fascinating and so beautiful. I hadn’t thought about the impact of art in children’s books in all these ways, but I do know that my daughter’s beloved Madeleine in Paris, Eloise at the Plaza (and others!) and Olivia books, which a friend sent us gifts to her as a little girl, from Canada, had a huge impact on her (AND us!). Even her beloved Maisy board books by Lucy Cousins were so beautifully illustrated, really capturing her imagination – and also Lauren Child’s beautiful version of The Princess and the Pea. But what you write about Yayoi Kusama’s dots, and the connection they symbolise, is so powerful – and I absolutely love that you got to your father the Matisse book. Beyond precious! (As is that photo, top of post! 💖)
Illustrations are such a crucial part of children’s books, easily as important as the words! I love the way my students respond to them. These books really help kids make the connections between art and emotion.
💯 ❤️ so so wonderful. So good!!
They are all very good friends as well, forgot to add Kevin Murray an Australian. Who lives in Rome for past 60 years, like me, we used to teach together Along with Dennis at ORT school and NDI
Brilliant!
Louise this is wonderful and I thank you for enabling children to discover art and make their own. All my book covers and many illustrations come from my artist friends , perhaps you know some of them : here are a few : Patricia Glee Smith who lives in Otricoli, Justin Bradshaw has a studio in the woods of Corchiano where he creates his natural colors, Valerio Cugia now in Belgium did the fresco cycle in my library Michele Telari in Viterbo, Kelly Medford just moved to Mompeo from Rome….
Oh, I love this! Immediately looking up all these artists!
Would have loved to have had an art teacher like you in school! Such great material.