Big Ideas from Art

Learning to appreciate art and creativity

Everyone tells children that art matters, but we’re not often encouraged to ask why – and without that, it can be hard to feel a real connection to it. Museum visits can feel puzzling, and the names of famous artists may blur together.

Big Ideas from Art dares to ask the obvious but crucial questions: What is art really for? Why do human beings feel such a strong urge to make images? How can paintings and sculptures actually help us with our feelings?

With warmth, curiosity and a sense of fun, we’re shown how art connects to our everyday lives. We discover where creativity comes from, what kind of art to look at in different moods and how to visit a museum without getting bored. Along the way, we meet some of the most important artists in history and explore the powerful ideas behind their work. Always, the underlying aim is to help us see that art is not remote or mysterious, but something deeply connected to who we are.

Big Ideas from Art shows how art can offer comfort, perspective and joy. It can help us become more self-aware, more imaginative and more alive to the world around us.

Also in the series: This is the fifth title in our best-selling Big Ideas series - a collection of books designed to help children reflect on life's most important questions. From philosophy to science, history and literature, each book offers young readers a calm, intelligent companion in their journey to understand the world, and themselves.

Ideal for ages 9yrs+

Hardback book | 192 pages | 246mm x 180mm | 87 illustrations

Also available in a digital format - click to explore