What a Masterpiece!

by Riccardo Guasco

In this wordless picture book, the Western world’s greatest art is closer than you expect. A boy’s daily routines bring him face-to-face with Escher’s winding stairs, Banksy’s balloon girl, Picasso’s dancing fauns, and many more familiar sights. Maybe the boy’s bedroom looks a little like Van Gogh’s. Maybe that apple looks a bit like Magritte’s. And maybe another masterpiece is on its way… 

A celebration of creativity across the centuries, What a Masterpiece! will inspire young artists to find wonder in their everyday lives. An art index after the story helps readers identify the cultural treasures behind the illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who are familiar with the featured artwork and artists will enjoy this. For them, this wordless picture book will be like a game of hidden pictures.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one criticism of this book: it may have a hard time finding its audience, because I think its audience is... me? Maybe just me? Put more graciously, as an art historian turned children's librarian, I let out multiple excited "AHH!"s while looking through this book for the first time. It feels like this book was made just for me and I love it so much.

An Italian import that feels European (if you read a lot of children's picture books you'll know what I mean), this is a wordless story of a young boy who spends his day surrounded by bold artistic expression. Like a seek and find for art historians, references to masterpieces are replete - from the boy's Giacometti shadow to his Duchamp fountain. Trying to find all the references, some obvious and some subtle, makes for a rewarding read.

A perfect match for another personal favorite, Blue Rider by Geraldo Valerio, this book is a practice in visual literacy and a treat for art geeks.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wordless Book
A child moves through their day and also moves through a variety of paintings. Lovely interweaving of the artwork with a typical day. The paintings are identified at the end of the book.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful meshing of wordless story with marvelous art. And I so appreciate that the art/artists were identified at the end of the book so that whether you were familiar with the art or not you could see who's work was represented. Not a book most children will pick up for themselves maybe, but a fun introduction for those who do or from a parent

[Heidi Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a delightfully, colorful picture book, but also a walk through an art museum! The illustrator has given us a name that masterpiece quiz while taking us through the characters day. Thankfully, at the end of the book, there is an explanation of where each piece was inspired from.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I really enjoyed spotting famous works in the storyline. Mostly wordless, spectacular illustrated picture book, that can lead to discussions on art.

I was very amused to hear my son be disgruntled on the fact certain artists were not included. This did not detract at all from our enjoyment, but was what made the book a little more fun.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun premise of seeing great art in your every day life! I would have liked to see more American art represented.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many classic paintings can you spot in this unique, wordless picture book? Lots of fun and a true joy is communicated in the pages.

[Kathy]

Word-less book

[Ruth Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could be used to introduce art to young children.

[Sarah Opgenorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels good to expose little ones to ART. No words.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clever book!

[Erin *BookDragon_Library* · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 - Wordless.
3 because I don't like abstract art, 5 for the concept of smooshing together all the different famous art pieces.


This would be EXCELLENT for an art teacher to use in a lesson.