Matisse: Dance for Joy

Here in the latest addition to our contemporary art board-book series, Henri Matisse's exuberant cut-paper art leaps off the page, accompanied by simple, lyrical text sure to delight the very young.

Children's Literature

This artist is known for his cutout collages, which are effectively used in this board book. The author selects from Matisse's bright and colorful collage images that depict people dancing, a pony prancing and birds swooping and soaring. There are musical instruments, but mostly people moving to some unheard music or joy in their lives. The text is printed in white on colored backgrounds that also add to the attractiveness and provide for further discussion. A nice way to introduce art, as well as other concepts, to children. Other books in the series include Andy Warhol's Colors and Counting with Wayne Thiebaud. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

Susan Goldman Rubin is the author of several successful art books on artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Andy Warhol. Her dynamic nonfiction has won her many awards and accolades from the CCBC, ALA, and the Smithsonian, among others. She lives in Southern California where she writes and teaches writing.