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We take kids to museums and tell them art matters-but we don't usually explain why. This vibrant, accessible guide teaches children how art can improve our lives, inspire joy, and contribute to our emotional well-being.
With a warm, conversational, and sometimes humorous tone, 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 explore a museum without getting bored, and why-without even realizing it-we all become artists by decorating our first bedrooms.
This innovative guide will enchant children and, along the way, teach their favorite adults a thing or two as well.
- AN INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION TO ART HISTORY and how the visual arts can enhance our emotional lives.
- COLORFUL, GRAPHIC LAYOUT introduce ideas in a clear, easy-to-grasp format.
- MAKE MUSEUM VISITS MORE FUN with practical tips.
- FEATURING 100+ WORKS OF ART from artists like Picasso, Titian, Agnes Martin, Renoir, Barbara Hepworth, Vincent van Gogh and more.
- FOR CHILDREN AGES 9 AND UP featuring discussion points and activities.
“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 a global organization helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfillment.
The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socializing, finding calm, and enjoying culture through content, community, and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.
The School of Life is a rapidly growing global brand, with over 6 million YouTube subscribers, 389,000 Facebook followers, 174,000 Instagram followers and 166,000 Twitter followers.
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.
II. The Big Question No One Answers (Until Now)
III. Why an Art Gallery is like Your Bedroom
IV. The Big Answer
V. Why Art Galleries are Boring
VI. Why a Work of Art is like a Tool
i. Remembering
ii. Appreciation
iii. Hope
iv. Sadness
v. Balance
vi. Making Sense of Money
VII. Conclusion