ART123: Count from 1 to 12 with Great Works of Art

by Stefano Zuffi

Children will learn to count from 1 to 12 while looking at fine art masterpieces in this lively new book. Cats by Gainsborough, boats by Van Gogh, a circle of dancers by Matisse, a king and queen sculpted by Henry Moore—they’re all here to encourage counting and to introduce the fascinating world of art. A short rhyme perfect for reading aloud accompanies each illustration, helping children find the objects to count. Art 123 is a great book for all art lovers

Praise for ART 123
Zuffi provides a puzzlelike approach to counting objects in selected works of art. Readers can count from 1 to 12 in the first dozen artworks and then jump to counting "so many" in the final selection. Each piece appears opposite a pertinent rhyming sentence or two and large bold numerals indicating how many items to find in each picture. Some can be challenging to locate. Readers count people, kittens, sun rays, shapes, boats, flowers. . . . .Hopper, Matisse, Van Gogh, and Renoir are among the featured painters. This picture book works well as a concept book and as a resource for stimulating art appreciation. Because the size of the images varies, Art 123 would be best used for one-on-one sharing. It is a worthy extra purchase for libraries needing more counting or art-appreciation materials.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH, School Library Journal

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Counting, Nonfiction, Juvenile, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Stefano Zuffi (Milano, 24 maggio 1961) è uno storico dell'arte italiano.

Laureato alla Statale di Milano, è autore di numerosi volumi di divulgazione culturale, legati alla storia dell'arte soprattutto rinascimentale e barocca. Consulente editoriale per la casa editrice Electa, è stato responsabile di alcune collane di successo al grande pubblico, come gli Artbook e, dal 2002, I dizionari dell'arte.

Tra le sue pubblicazioni, una monografia su Dürer, Il Grande Atlante della Pittura (Electa) e il saggio Rinascimento (Mondadori): tradotte in più lingue, hanno raggiunto una tiratura di oltre un milione e mezzo di copie vendute in tutto il mondo.

Ha partecipato alla trasmissione Riguardiamoli condotta da Salvatore Maria Fares su RETEDUE della Radio Svizzera Italiana, curando una rubrica dedicata all' arte e alle mostre.

Ricopre l'incarico di responsabile culturale dell'Associazione Amici di Brera ed è presidente dell'Associazione Amici del Poldi Pezzoli.

È inoltre curatore della Pinacoteca Podesti di Ancona.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can appreciate it as an adult, but perhaps different more kid-friendly pictures could have been chosen.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counting using famous artwork (1 woman, 2 statues, etc.) Bonus points for using "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toddler, preschool, and school-age
Rhyming text

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes this is a counting book, but a bit sophisticated for the very young. However, if you wish to introduce children at a young age to art there are twelve pieces of art work each of which has an item that corresponds to the numbers. For instance Fishing Boats by the Beach by Van Gogh has eight boats very visible and countable in the painting.
I really liked the fact that each painting has the artist, title, date, type of medium, and the museum where it is located.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ART 123 by Stefano Zuffi – ok, my last math book purchase – I really fell in love with this counting book that connects children with classic art pieces. I really love the various styles of art that were selected for the book and additionally how there are hands sticking into every page helping children count along in numerous ways.

[Fibersian]

This is a counting book but for children it can be read in small bits. Counting is illustrated with fine art. Adults will enjoy the art prints. This is a wonderful book for exposing children to wide variety of art work.

[Shanshad Whelan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty artwork, though most of it not the most recognizable of work by the authors. Really bad rhyming text IMO. There are better books for counting and better books for art.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly awkward text.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the art work.

[Seb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to hear my 2.5 year old identifying such masterpiece works and notable artists! "Caravaggio." "Matisse " I also really loved the addition of the sign language numbers for each entry.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter says: "FIVE WHOLE STARS. That means I love it."

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the artwork.

[Christine Turner]

Subject: Stories in rhyme
Art appreciation -- Juvenile fiction.
Counting