LOOK! Zoom in on Art
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
LOOK! Zoom in on Art by Gillian Wolfe is an engaging art book designed to captivate young readers and introduce them to the world of fine art. The book employs a unique approach by focusing on the details within major works of art, encouraging children to 'zoom in' and explore the intricacies that might otherwise be overlooked. Wolfe selects a variety of paintings from different periods and styles, and through close-up examination, she reveals hidden stories, techniques, and historical context. The book aims to develop observational skills and an appreciation for art by asking thought-provoking questions and providing interesting facts. It serves as an educational tool that makes art accessible and enjoyable for children, fostering a lifelong interest in the arts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you get when you look at this painting? Can you describe why it makes you feel that way?
What do you notice first when you look at this artwork? What do you think the artist wanted us to focus on?
If you were inside this painting, what would you hear, smell, or feel?
How do you think the artist made this piece? What colors and shapes can you see?
If you could ask the artist one question about this artwork, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each artwork, affirming their observations and interpretations.
Ask your child to describe the artwork in detail, which will help them to closely observe and appreciate the nuances.
Explore the emotions conveyed in the artwork together, discussing how color, texture, and composition influence feelings and storytelling.
Connect the artwork to your child’s experiences by asking if anything they see in the artwork reminds them of a personal event or a story they know.
After discussing, encourage creativity by asking your child to draw their version of the artwork or to create a piece that expresses similar emotions or themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The book encourages children to closely observe details in various artworks, fostering keen observation and attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Enhanced observation skills can help children in academic settings, such as noticing details in text or images, and in everyday life, such as observing environmental details.
Example Lesson: Art Appreciation
Explanation: By zooming in on specific elements of art, the book instills an appreciation for different artistic styles and the messages they convey.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and respect diverse forms of expression and cultural heritage they encounter, fostering open-mindedness.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Children are prompted to think about why artists choose to focus on certain details, promoting critical thinking about the intent and message behind artwork.
Real-World Application: Critical thinking skills can be applied in problem-solving tasks at school or in understanding complex situations in their social environments.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: By exploring various artworks, the book inspires children to imagine and create their own art, boosting creativity and personal expression.
Real-World Application: Creative skills can enhance problem-solving abilities and provide a healthy emotional outlet in a child’s development.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book features art from different cultures and time periods, providing a broad perspective that increases cultural awareness.
Real-World Application: This broadened perspective can help children navigate and appreciate the increasingly globalized and culturally diverse world they are part of.