The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art
In young Vasya’s world everything is staid and proper, until the day he opens the paint box his aunt gives him. “The swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a magical symphony.” Vasya paints what he hears—the clinking of a bright lemon sun, the low vibrations of a navy blue. But no one in his family hears what he hears or understands what he’s painted. They do, however, think lessons would be a good idea. “So Vasya went to art class and learned to draw houses and flowers—just like everyone else.” Vasya grew up and became a lawyer, but a trip to the opera reawakened his urge to paint the colors of sound. “Art should make you feel….like music,” he said. Playful, lyrical language propels this picture book account of Vasily Kandinsky, who started the abstract art movement. An author’s note tells more about Kandinsky and abstract art and includes photographs of four of his paintings. The acrylic and collage illustrations wonderfully express the rigidity of Kandisky’s life and the colorful wilds of his imagination. ©2014 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Mary Grandpre
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Picture book
Subjects:
19th Century
20th Century
Art and Artists
Biography
Difference/Individuality
Imagination/Imaginary Play
Russians and Russian Americans
Senses
Publisher:
Alfred A. Knopf
Publish Year: 2014
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780307978486
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Kandinsky