Children's Book Reviews

Book Review: Touch the Art: Pop Warhol's Top

By Dana Rae Nov 11, 2006, 13:51 GMT

The essence of a well-rounded education includes the arts. Authors Julie Appel and Amy Guglielmo take this fundamental of education and expand on it with the early child development book Touch the Art: Pop Warhol's Top.

This children’s book starts your child’s art history early with a look at the “pop iconic” art of Andy Warhol and other famous artists. Not only that, but your child can “touch the art” with something included in every painting to help broaden and stimulate your child’s experience.

I have seen the ‘touch and feel’ books (being a parent myself) and my children have truly enjoyed feeling the ‘feathers’ of a duck or the ‘fur’ of a kitten, but this book takes the concept to a whole other level!
 
At first glance, my three-year-old son was enthralled with the book. He couldn’t wait to turn each page to see what surprise was waiting next. I, too, was impressed! This book, while fun, is (shhhh…don’t tell anyone!) secretly educational! The first page of the book is of Andy Warhol’s famous Campbell’s soup can, and the cover is cut away to include part of it. The top of the can flips open. Definitely an eye-catcher.
 
Other art in the book includes Warhol’s famous Marilyn painting (which has eyelashes for your child to touch), and Roy Lichtenstein’s Girl with Ball (which has a section of the ball for your child to touch). The book also includes a three-page history of the artists and their work. There is also a short bio on the authors, and other “Touch the Art” books.
 
I highly recommend this wonderful book to any parent and child combo. Parents, as well as kids, will certainly have fun with this unique look at great art.