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Rudy and Claude Splash Into Art
Rudy is a curious mouse who wonders, “What is art?” Claude, his feathered friend, tries to teach him. Rudy works on a self-portrait, a still life, a landscape, found art, a sculpture―all with disastrous results! Then he tries to create an artistic masterpiece, but...SPLAT! Has Rudy finally become an artist? Dynamic duo Rudy and Claude bring big personalities to this basic introduction to art.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2014
56 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 6, 2020
Rudy and Claude Splash Into Art is a delightful, little picture book full of wonderful colours and pretty pictures!
This picture book is super sweet - not only does it feature art, but it makes for a great tale (pun intended). Claude is a bird and Rudy is a mouse. Our birdie friend is trying to make some gorgeous art when Rudy comes in and wants to be an artist! Rudy isn't as amazing at self portraits as Claude is, but he still tries to be creative! That's when the duo learn what art really is! Being yourself and making great art.
The giant goose had me chuckling, because those pesky geese definitely show up at the most inopportune times.
There was definitely room for some better educational tones in this book. It has big picture vibes but doesn't go into it. Good art should be art made from the heart - whether it be extravagant self portraits or macaroni art. Either way, this book was still cute!
Three out of five stars.
This picture book is super sweet - not only does it feature art, but it makes for a great tale (pun intended). Claude is a bird and Rudy is a mouse. Our birdie friend is trying to make some gorgeous art when Rudy comes in and wants to be an artist! Rudy isn't as amazing at self portraits as Claude is, but he still tries to be creative! That's when the duo learn what art really is! Being yourself and making great art.
The giant goose had me chuckling, because those pesky geese definitely show up at the most inopportune times.
There was definitely room for some better educational tones in this book. It has big picture vibes but doesn't go into it. Good art should be art made from the heart - whether it be extravagant self portraits or macaroni art. Either way, this book was still cute!
Three out of five stars.
March 13, 2020
Claude the bird is painting a self-portrait when Rudy the mouse stops by and interrupts him, asking what he's doing. Claude explains that he's making art, something that he tells Rudy he can't do. Rudy proceeds to try making art himself, but it doesn't go as planned. Toward the very end of the book, Rudy accidentally makes art that Claude approves of.
This book sets a really bad example for children and is not recommended. There are multiple things wrong with the book: some concepts are too advanced, neither of the characters are role models, and there is absolutely no storytelling aspect to the book at all.
The book misses many times to actually teach and empower students to do their own art. Rudy tries to do a self-portrait and a still life, but the paintings don't turn out well and Rudy is not proud of his work, anyway. When he tries to do a landscape, a giant goose scares him away.
Then Claude introduces the concept of "found art", which is very difficult for young children to understand. Rudy tries to make "found art" out of some garbage he finds. He then proceeds to eat all of the garbage (yuck!) and destroys his own artwork. Do mice eat old hairy lollipops? I was not aware.
Toward the end of the book, Rudy falls into a paint can, gets frustrated, and wildly throws paint around everywhere. Claude is finally impressed and says he did a great job.
I asked my 3.5 yo why she liked the book. She liked the character Rudy, thought he was funny when he tried dressing/looking like some famous painters presented in the book, like Salvador Dali and Claude Monet.
But even if my kid likes Rudy, Rudy is not a role model. Rather, he is someone to be made fun of. And Claude is not a role model either, because he constantly kicks Rudy down and says he doesn't know how to create art. How can you possibly make a book for kids that's filled with such negative, sad characters? Especially a book about art, which is supposed to be about the value of creativity and hard work.
This book sets a really bad example for children and is not recommended. There are multiple things wrong with the book: some concepts are too advanced, neither of the characters are role models, and there is absolutely no storytelling aspect to the book at all.
The book misses many times to actually teach and empower students to do their own art. Rudy tries to do a self-portrait and a still life, but the paintings don't turn out well and Rudy is not proud of his work, anyway. When he tries to do a landscape, a giant goose scares him away.
Then Claude introduces the concept of "found art", which is very difficult for young children to understand. Rudy tries to make "found art" out of some garbage he finds. He then proceeds to eat all of the garbage (yuck!) and destroys his own artwork. Do mice eat old hairy lollipops? I was not aware.
Toward the end of the book, Rudy falls into a paint can, gets frustrated, and wildly throws paint around everywhere. Claude is finally impressed and says he did a great job.
I asked my 3.5 yo why she liked the book. She liked the character Rudy, thought he was funny when he tried dressing/looking like some famous painters presented in the book, like Salvador Dali and Claude Monet.
But even if my kid likes Rudy, Rudy is not a role model. Rather, he is someone to be made fun of. And Claude is not a role model either, because he constantly kicks Rudy down and says he doesn't know how to create art. How can you possibly make a book for kids that's filled with such negative, sad characters? Especially a book about art, which is supposed to be about the value of creativity and hard work.
Want to read
October 28, 2014I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways. After I've had a chance to finish reading it, I'll post a review. Stay tuned!
October 1, 2015
Great book. Explains art to the young readers.
June 29, 2016
Cute
The illustrations are super, and loved the colors, reads smooth. The characters are different than what is normally in children book. I like that!
The illustrations are super, and loved the colors, reads smooth. The characters are different than what is normally in children book. I like that!
July 15, 2020
Becoming an Artist
Besides books, I'm a big fan of art. I used to love painting with acrylics, but have recently switched to watercolours. It's a difficult transition because you must move the brush through the water and paint in the perfect blend. Acrylics do no such thing. Therefore, I feel a bit like Rudy, who's trying to understand the concept of art from the artistic Claude. Rudy struggles to find his creative flow as Claude introduces him to different techniques of painting: self portraits, still life, landscape . Rudy definitely doesn't like landscapes, especially if parts of the scenery give chase. (Rudy is chased by a giant goose!) On the verge of giving up, Rudy lets himself go. He kind of throws a paint tantrum. Voilá. Rudy creates a winner! Turns out his artistic style is SPLASH ART, like that of Jackson Pollock, the splash-splatter master.
This is a fun children's book. Super colorful and a joy to read. It's geared towards wee artists – those future Pollock's and Picasso's. It's a wonderful introduction to art that will entertain the littles. Adam McHeffey' s illustrations are fantastic, too. The pictures are eye-catching and lively. Rudy and Claude's story is the perfect length (20 pages, not one) for busy, little minds that tend to wander faster than a shooting star.
Besides books, I'm a big fan of art. I used to love painting with acrylics, but have recently switched to watercolours. It's a difficult transition because you must move the brush through the water and paint in the perfect blend. Acrylics do no such thing. Therefore, I feel a bit like Rudy, who's trying to understand the concept of art from the artistic Claude. Rudy struggles to find his creative flow as Claude introduces him to different techniques of painting: self portraits, still life, landscape . Rudy definitely doesn't like landscapes, especially if parts of the scenery give chase. (Rudy is chased by a giant goose!) On the verge of giving up, Rudy lets himself go. He kind of throws a paint tantrum. Voilá. Rudy creates a winner! Turns out his artistic style is SPLASH ART, like that of Jackson Pollock, the splash-splatter master.
This is a fun children's book. Super colorful and a joy to read. It's geared towards wee artists – those future Pollock's and Picasso's. It's a wonderful introduction to art that will entertain the littles. Adam McHeffey' s illustrations are fantastic, too. The pictures are eye-catching and lively. Rudy and Claude's story is the perfect length (20 pages, not one) for busy, little minds that tend to wander faster than a shooting star.
November 4, 2015
SUMMARY: Rudy the mouse sees his friend Claude the bird painting and wonders what he is about. Claude announces he is making art. Rudy doesn't know what art is so Claude begins to teach him about some different ways of making art. Rudy tries one technique after another; each one not working for him. That is until he finds his true expression and finally makes and discovers art.
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created with mixed mediums. They are large and colorful with lots of action. There were a few pictures that slowed the flow of the story such as the wrong character standing beneath words spoken by the other and a picture of Rudy with only one large black splotch on his face instead of two eyes.
THE GOOD: This book is a good representation of several art forms such as self-portrait, landscape, and found art. It also shows that not every art form is for everyone and that it is more important to find your own way of expressing yourself through art. This book would be a good addition to classrooms.
THE NOT AS GOOD: The text was a bit stilted and read at times more like a textbook.
3.5 Stars, but rounding up for the colorful illustrations.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Grades K-2 I don't believe the text lends itself to any younger age group, although the pictures would.
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created with mixed mediums. They are large and colorful with lots of action. There were a few pictures that slowed the flow of the story such as the wrong character standing beneath words spoken by the other and a picture of Rudy with only one large black splotch on his face instead of two eyes.
THE GOOD: This book is a good representation of several art forms such as self-portrait, landscape, and found art. It also shows that not every art form is for everyone and that it is more important to find your own way of expressing yourself through art. This book would be a good addition to classrooms.
THE NOT AS GOOD: The text was a bit stilted and read at times more like a textbook.
3.5 Stars, but rounding up for the colorful illustrations.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Grades K-2 I don't believe the text lends itself to any younger age group, although the pictures would.
October 4, 2014
I won "Rudy & Claude, Splash into Art" by Adam McHeffey. This is a great story, with fantastic art included. I can't wait to share it with my nieces and nephews. I know that they will just fall in love with Rudy and Claude. The art work is amazing. I think many children will be able to relate. Many find it difficult to do the required art in school. This book is the exact tool, necessary to help all become artistic in their very own way. Well done, Kudos. Thank you, Adam. Cindy
October 10, 2014
What a wonderful book for small children! I like how the author went into just enough detail to explain to kids the different types of art in a way that will not overwhelm them. As any good book about art should be, the illustrations were wonderful and really made the book come alive. I will save this one for my own future children and look forward to the time when I'll be able to read it to them.
October 10, 2014
versatile, engaging COLORFUL! fun to inspire sweet, technicolor DREAMS &/or original, abstract CREATIONS <3 suitable for all ages, we are partial to the Salvadore Dali-esque "tribute" page :)Definitely a keeper & worthy of shelf space!
**I received this book for free from the GoodReads first reads giveaway = Thanx!*
**I received this book for free from the GoodReads first reads giveaway = Thanx!*
December 17, 2015
This book is a fun way to introduce children to art. The illustrations are bright and colorful. Rudy and Claude talk about different art mediums, and introduce some new art vocabulary.
In the end Rudy learns that, although his artist abilities are different than Claude's he can still be an artist.
Rudy learns that art can be messy and still be beautiful, because art comes from the heart.
In the end Rudy learns that, although his artist abilities are different than Claude's he can still be an artist.
Rudy learns that art can be messy and still be beautiful, because art comes from the heart.
Read
June 1, 2014Great book to give to the art teacher at our school!
October 5, 2014
My Grandson is 21 months old and he loves this book! The graphics are bright and colorful and the story is simple enough for him to follow along. Great book!
September 29, 2014
This is the cutest book.. I read it to my child right away and she loved it, I also got a great laugh with it also.. way cute!!
October 20, 2014
Great introduction to art for preschoolers or older
January 28, 2015
Everyone is an artist and this book proves just that. Students who are reluctant to experience art because they aren't "good at it," will enjoy the message of this story.
February 23, 2016
short intro to different types of art, going to pass this one to the art teacher to read to her classes!
July 22, 2017
Very colorful. Nice story.
June 6, 2019
I liked it...a creative and visual to introduce in its bare basics what is art and what does one do to make art...which isn't one way around it per say.
August 26, 2019
art is fun becuse i am a masterpeace
September 21, 2020
Love it!
As an amateur artist, I really connected with this book. I've struggled to call myself a true artist. I especially loved that it names the different forms of art.
My son, on the other hand, wasn't THAT interested. He started off loving the illustrations, but then lost interest. In all honesty, he's a little too young to understand this book yet. So, I'm saving it for when he's a bit older. It's a wonderful story, with beautiful illustrations and interesting characters. I highly recommend it!
As an amateur artist, I really connected with this book. I've struggled to call myself a true artist. I especially loved that it names the different forms of art.
My son, on the other hand, wasn't THAT interested. He started off loving the illustrations, but then lost interest. In all honesty, he's a little too young to understand this book yet. So, I'm saving it for when he's a bit older. It's a wonderful story, with beautiful illustrations and interesting characters. I highly recommend it!
February 13, 2025
My mother won this on a Goodreads giveaway way back in 2014. I appropriated this from her and before depositing into a Free Little Library, I like to read the children's books first to make sure all is appropriate :)
Great illustrations in this picture book and a nice, easy introduction to "what is art" is delivered. I think kids will like both Rudy and Claude while they go back and forth learning how to make art. With that said, I don't feel that the story would be one a child would go back to more than once or twice.
Great illustrations in this picture book and a nice, easy introduction to "what is art" is delivered. I think kids will like both Rudy and Claude while they go back and forth learning how to make art. With that said, I don't feel that the story would be one a child would go back to more than once or twice.
May 11, 2020
art is ART, i had a art teacher in high school ...i disagree with her on over what is ART??! to me art is what your art feel is art ... so in your eyes might not be art to someone else ... and that is totally okay ... love the art you love and that is totally a-OKAY!!
May 30, 2020
Illuminating
Art is so much more than technique , it is feeling, expression and an outlet and this book captured it beautifully in a wonderfully colourful way. A fun book to read with some amazing drawings.
Art is so much more than technique , it is feeling, expression and an outlet and this book captured it beautifully in a wonderfully colourful way. A fun book to read with some amazing drawings.
June 5, 2020
Cute book
Not enough action per our 7 year old. Would like to know what he did with the final artwork - hang on fridge, in an art gallery, where? Loved the colors in the book.
Not enough action per our 7 year old. Would like to know what he did with the final artwork - hang on fridge, in an art gallery, where? Loved the colors in the book.
August 7, 2020
Cute and funny
Just love the art throughout this book.
It's so colorful and beautifully designed and with lots of color on every page. It just looks amazing and something kids will love.
The story is cute and funny.
Just love the art throughout this book.
It's so colorful and beautifully designed and with lots of color on every page. It just looks amazing and something kids will love.
The story is cute and funny.
January 6, 2021
A true work of art
I have this book 5 stars because it's a gentle introduction to different styles of painting and art. My preschooler loved the characters, colors and the message to keep at it and believe in yourself.
I have this book 5 stars because it's a gentle introduction to different styles of painting and art. My preschooler loved the characters, colors and the message to keep at it and believe in yourself.
March 9, 2021
Great!
We loved it! My little one loves arts and crafts of all sorts so this was an awesome book for him! The ending not only teaches us a lesson about what true art is but was also delivered in a funny way! Thank you!
We loved it! My little one loves arts and crafts of all sorts so this was an awesome book for him! The ending not only teaches us a lesson about what true art is but was also delivered in a funny way! Thank you!
April 7, 2020
Kids will adore this
Great introduction to art... written in such a way that kids of all ages can understand the basics of art, with some fun along the way.
Great introduction to art... written in such a way that kids of all ages can understand the basics of art, with some fun along the way.
April 10, 2020
While informative this one did not seem to capture and keep the children’s attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews