I recommend adding this book to any collection because the pieces chosen to represent art though out the ages are relevant as well as interesting to learn about, and the background of each piece is written in language younger students will understand. Art novices will learn a lot from reading this one book. ( )

This was written as a children's guide to art and its complex history. We get the history and information behind famous artwork that we have loved for centuries and some even just mere decades. Artists from Picasso to O' Keefe to Monet spread over the pages of this beautiful book. The history starts at 22,000 BC up to 1964 ranging from painted art to sculpture to cave paintings. There is a glossary of art terms included in the back of the book. Beautiful addition and one I will soon be adding to my collection!

This book is an excellent introduction to art across the ages. There is a lot of information available for each piece, but the information is easily digestible. Unfamiliar terms are explained clearly, and the writing is simple and direct, but not condescending. Sayre really covered his bases, in including art from ancient to comparatively modern, and across different media and place of origin. My 18-month-old daughter loves it and points to the "horsies" and then says she wants to draw, but at the same time, I have learned a lot as I've looked at it with her. I think every age will find something of value. Highly highly recommended. ( )

This book provides readers with a quite look at art history starting with the cave paintings in France up to more modern painters like Picasso (just as the title would suggest). Each spreak consists of a full page photo of the piece of art being discussed, and a page of text explaining the art as well as some information about the artist. These infomrational bits are interesting and well written, avoiding the monotonous tone that some might associate with art history. This book is written by a man who fondly remembers looking at pictures of great art as a child and hopes to provide a similalr experience for young readers today. This is a book I would gladly have in my own library! ( )

This book may be a little above the fourth-graders I teach. It does match beautiful, color paintings with kid-friendly behind-the-scenes stories about the art. The art comes from all over the world and timelines along the margins help the reader see the progression of art styles through the ages. There is a lot of interesting and helpful information about the paintings, though the amount would overwhelm younger kids. I could use parts of it to help inspire and motivate young students...if I was very capable of teaching art.