What Adults Don't Know About Art

Everyone tells kids that art matters - but the truth is that very often it's hard to know why it really does. Museum visits can feel like a chore as does having to learn the names of the big artists we're all meant to love (but perhaps don't quite in the way we're supposed to).

This is a huge pity because - grasped the right way - art has a deep capacity to improve our lives and offer us a sense of joy and mental well-being.

Here is a guide to art for children with a difference: in a tone that's kindly, informative, unstuffy and at times rightly irreverent, this book explains how art can fit into our lives. We learn where the impulse to make art comes from, what art to look at in certain moods, how to go around a museum without getting bored and why - without even realising it - we all become experts in art by decorating our first bedrooms.

This is an innovative guide to the importance of art, produced in a way that will enchant children and, along the way, teach their favourite adults one or two vital things as well.

“"These two books will help to give children a sense of what the point of architecture and art really are--in a way that will imbue them with a genuine lifelong interest in the subjects" -- Alain de Botton What readers are saying: Like most people I enjoy art, but I can find it intimidating - I want to just enjoy it for my own pleasure and certain things get in the way of that. The book addresses this issue - it is aimed at a younger audience but is entirely relevant to adult readers. It helped me to connect with what I take from art in all its forms, something which I wasn't able to really capture up until now. A treasured, comforting, joyful read. - Goodreads review Okay, I admit I'm gushing, but I just really enjoyed this book, and I want my own copy when it comes out (I don't have kids, it will absolutely be for me!). This would be wonderful in the classroom, and I hope teachers will include it in their lesson plans. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone! - Goodreads review This book is a fantastic introduction to the ideas and philosophy of art and artists. I enjoyed it as an adult but think it is essential reading for anyone wanting to think and know more about art and artists. - Goodreads review Clear and visual and to the point. And delightful. - Goodreads review I wish I could have had a book like this when I were a child. - Goodreads review”

"These two books will help to give children a sense of what the point of architecture and art really are--in a way that will imbue them with a genuine lifelong interest in the subjects" -- Alain de Botton

"Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, school, and community library collections for young readers, What Adults Don't Know About Art is an innovative guide to the importance of art, written in a way that will enchant children and, along the way, teach their favorite adults one or two vital things as well. -- Midwest Book Review

What readers are saying:

Like most people I enjoy art, but I can find it intimidating - I want to just enjoy it for my own pleasure and certain things get in the way of that. The book addresses this issue - it is aimed at a younger audience but is entirely relevant to adult readers. It helped me to connect with what I take from art in all its forms, something which I wasn't able to really capture up until now. A treasured, comforting, joyful read. - Goodreads review

Okay, I admit I'm gushing, but I just really enjoyed this book, and I want my own copy when it comes out (I don't have kids, it will absolutely be for me!). This would be wonderful in the classroom, and I hope teachers will include it in their lesson plans. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone! - Goodreads review

This book is a fantastic introduction to the ideas and philosophy of art and artists. I enjoyed it as an adult but think it is essential reading for anyone wanting to think and know more about art and artists. - Goodreads review

Clear and visual and to the point ... I learnt something about myself as well as art. You're never too old to learn. - Goodreads review

I wish I could have had a book like this when I were a child. - Goodreads review

I absolutely think children should read this, because it's lovely and wonderful, and will teach them so many helpful things about art and why it's relevant to their lives. But here's the thing: adults should read this too. This is the self-help book that I didn't know I needed. - Goodreads review

This book is a fantastic introduction to the ideas and philosophy of art and artists. I enjoyed it as an adult but think it is essential reading for anyone wanting to think and know more about art and artists. - Goodreads review

The School of Life is devoted to developing emotional intelligence. It addresses issues such as how to find fulfilling work, how to master the art of relationships, how to understand one's past, how to achieve calm, and how better to understand and - where necessary - change the world. The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.

Everyone tells kids that art matters - but the truth is that very often it's hard to know why it really does. Museum visits can feel like a chore as does having to learn the names of the big artists we're all meant to love (but perhaps don't quite in the way we're supposed to).This is a huge pity because - grasped the right way - art has a deep capacity to improve our lives and offer us a sense of joy and mental well-being.Here is a guide to art for children with a difference: in a tone that's kindly, informative, unstuffy and at times rightly irreverent, this book explains how art can fit into our lives. We learn where the impulse to make art comes from, what art to look at in certain moods, how to go around a museum without getting bored and why - without even realising it - we all become experts in art by decorating our first bedrooms.This is an innovative guide to the importance of art, produced in a way that will enchant children and, along the way, teach their favourite adults one or two vital things as well.

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