Mary Cassatt - Family Pictures (Smart About Art Series)

Mary Cassatt - Family Pictures (Smart About Art Series) by Jane O'Connor, illustrated by Jennifer Kalis

The Smart About Art series of biographies feature lively cartoon drawings as they introduce artists. Written in the voice of a young student and presented in the format of a school report, the books recount events in each artist's life and offer insight into his work, using charming childlike drawings and reproductions of the artist's paintings in scrapbook-style layouts to illustrate both the stories and the artistic explanations. The result is a successful blend of fact and humor that makes sophisticated concepts completely accessible and even entertaining. Artists' quotes and plenty of sassy asides add to the easy, substantive appeal. of these books, which are sure to spark children's curiosity for individual interest or for their own reports. Mary Cassatt is most famous for her paintings of mothers and babies, and that's what first attracts "Claire" because she has a new baby sister. But through research for her class report Claire learns many surprising facts about Mary: she was an American who lived in France nearly all her life, she never married or had children herself, and she became a professional artist at a time when respectable ladies simply did not do that! With beautiful reproductions of Mary Cassatt's best-loved paintings as well as lively childlike pictures that illustrate her life, this Smart About Art book gives children a wonderful "portrait" of a great artist and fascinating woman. 

We have all the books in this series available in our Art Books section.

Book Details:

• Number of Pages: 32
• Book Size: 7" x 9"
• Book Type: Paperback
• Recommended Ages: 5-8
• ISBN 10: 0448431521
• ISBN 13: 9780448431529
• Published 2003

Book Condition:

• This book is brand new and is in perfect condition.

Why We Love It

This book is an excellent way to introduce children to art and the lives of famous artists. Since it is written from the perspective of a young child, it appeals to children. Children are inspired to try different techniques in their own artistic creations after reading this book.