Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

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I really enjoyed 'Art', I felt that it was a very insightful read and as it is a children's book, I especially appreciated that it highlighted lesser known artists such as Hilma af Klint. Very accessible, enjoyable and I'd recommend as a starting point for an art non-fiction read for children.

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Given only the text to read, at first this book doesn't speak much for me. But after reading the excerpt, I think this is a good book for those who are curious about art. Even though it doesn't contain all artist, but the major ones who changed the notion of art are there.

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My Thoughts: The Small Great Gestures series is truly wonderful and aimed at introducing young readers to inpirational trailblazers in different fields from around the world. Art, as the title foretells, focuses on artists. I love how it includes both well known artists like Frida Kahlo and Banksy to little known artists (at least for me) like Clara Peeters and Giotto.

Each artist has a one page biography accompanied by stunning illustrations that capture the artist and their art. A fun information filled read that is a visual feast at the same time, this book is sure to be a great addition to all libraries, whether at home or in the classroom.

Digital review copy from NetGalley

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Art is a lovely introduction to art and artists through the ages that would sit well in the classroom and at home.
This is a lovely book that essentially provides an introduction to art. It takes young readers into the worlds of Giotto, Goya, Duchamp, Picasso, Warhol, Banksy and a few more besides. It gives a glimpse into the eras they lived in and what they are famous for and their painting styles. The book does this with a short paragrapgh and an illustration, with each artist taking up just a page each. Further interest can be found in photographs and self-portraits of the featured artists, so readers can see what they really looked like, which is quite respectful. There are also dates of their births and deaths to be found there. Of course certain artists are shown by their artwork instead, such as the elusive Banksy, so anyone hoping for a picture of what this graffiti artist looks like would be disappointed, but I am sure, not surprised.

This book is good for the home and for in classrooms as a tool into the introductory of art through the ages. It would sit well amongst other books of this nature as this showcases just a few artists, but perhaps some less "obvious" ones that are often chosen for this sort of book and not all ones that would instantly spring to children's minds, so their knowledge in this way can be expanded further.

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This book devotes two pages and two paragraphs to different artists. It is educational and interesting. However, is appears too intense for elementary students. It would be great for junior high students, though. The information is not the boring date of birth, famous paintings, etc. It is the facts that kids can remember such as that Frida Kahlo had many operations and had to remain in bed. Her father bought her some colored pencils and paints to ward off the boredom. The graphics are interesting.


I received an ARC from Allison & Busby through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

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This is a very good little book for children, which shows different artists who have contributed to our society, such as Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. The book has unique illustrations and a lot of interesting educational information and knowledge, which make it a good book to have in a school or children's library. I found the book enjoyable and I learned some new information.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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The Small Great Gestures books are a fabulous new series penned by Francsico Llorca to introduce young readers to people that have changed our world. This book is an introduction to the history of art, a glimpse at some.of the best artists who have impressed the world by creating groundbreaking styles or perspectives. This book brings us artists like Goya, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, the Gorilla Girls and Banksy. A page is dedicated to facts on each artist and a second page accompanies this with stunning illustrations. Educational and beautiful, this is a fun, factual read and a feast for the eyes. #smallgreatgestures #netgalley #franciscollorca #SmallGreatGesturesArt #Art

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Informative and quick! We're studying Picasso 's Guernica, it was useful to know the history behind the paintings. Just enough information for the artists.

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A lovely introduction for all budding artists! The book is very informative, with some great insights to famous artists from around the world, and as expected, some beautiful illustrations! I think it is a very niche subject, but it definitely has a place in the market - especially for school classrooms!

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This book introduces children to a number of artists and their accomplishments. A few of the sections in this title are Paint a Self-Portrait, Frida Kahlo; Observe Nature, Giotto, and Protest, Guerilla Girls. The illustrations that accompany the text show the artist and the kind of work that they did. The entries are short and factual. Hopefully, young readers will read this title and then go on to learn more about their favorite artists.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

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I read this book in the mindset of a teacher. I think that this would be a great resource to use in school, my students would love this! The information was accessible enough and not overly wordy. I thought a good range of artists were included. I loved the illustrations and colours in the book, it was very eye-catching.

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A great beginning exposure to various artists and how they reflected and interacted with the societies in which they lived.

Each artist is discussed in a bite-sized profile along with illustrations in the style of their work. Readers can then research further into artists they find interesting and appealing.

Special attention is paid to how art can be used for protest, which may engage students more effectively that just discussing theory or technique.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

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What a fun book for children about different artists and styles! I loved the colorful illustrations and the author does a great job of succinctly summarizing each artist's life, philosophy, and style. The content is great, but I do wish there was more. I would have loved to see images of their most famous works. I think parents will enjoy sharing this one with their kids!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this ARC.

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THis book highlighted 11 different artists in a fun and interactive way for kids to be introduced to them. It was just enough information and detail for kids to see types of art that might be new to them. I wouldn't have the kids read this book all at one time, but rather one artist at a time and then do more research on them. This book is a great starting point.

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I guess this book's existence helped inspire the translation from Spanish into English not only of this but the other one in the series, which concerns "Science". And while it's a fine volume, perfectly suited for primary school educators to include in their work, it does not really need to bear the same "Small Great Gestures" tag as the other one (which itself didn't need such a subtitle in the first place either). This is a brief guide to a few stand-out artists, and while there is no Dali or van Gogh, there is a Courbet, a Hilma af Klint, and a Banksy to keep us up to date. All get two to four short paragraphs for their story to be told, and a double-page spread full of colour that somewhat emulates the art of the person concerned (Picasso here is definitely making 'Guernica'). It's a nicely-judged history of art primer, doing little wrong as regards its intentions.

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