Touch the Art: Find King Henry's Treasure

Once upon a time, there was a king who discovered that there was a dragon on the loose in his kingdom.

A knight, a dragon, and stolen treasure: what a thrilling tale this Touch the Art has to tell! As the brave knight pursues a dragon who has taken the king’s jewels, he races past famous paintings of kings, queens, and other royalty. During the exciting chase, children can touch the glittery chain on Hans Holbein’s Henry VIII, tap the crown in Nicholas Hilliard’s Queen Elizabeth I, and see Raphael’s St. George Struggling with the Dragon.

School Library Journal

PreS-K—In the first book, nine famous paintings paired with simple four-line rhymes expose children to art and counting. Each reproduction has an embellishment that adds visual interest and texture. The text invites readers to start with one of Monet's White Waterlilies (1899) and end with nine boys depicted in Winslow Homer's Snap the Whip (1872). Most of the art represents the work of European impressionists and post-impressionists. The counting is challenging enough to engage the intended audience, as every item is not immediately apparent. The additions such as ribbon or sandpaper have varying degrees of success, at times detracting from the artwork as with van Gogh's Fishing Boats on the Beach (1888). In King Henry, European paintings are used to tell a story about a dragon out to steal the royal jewels. Children will enjoy the suspense and be pleased to find that the dragon hasn't stolen a thing. From King Henry's glittery chain (a ribbon added to Portrait of Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1540) to the knight's shiny armor (silver paper added to Portrait of a Knight by Vittore Carpaccio, 1510), all the treasures are safe. While these board books tap into the trend of introducing young children to fine art, they have a safety warning stating that small parts make them suitable for ages three and up—something to consider for collections that attract younger users. A little information about each artist is included, along with a small image of each painting without the added pieces.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Amy Guglielmo is an artist, writer, and teacher. She currently runs her own art school in a Soho loft in New York City, where she lives with her husband. Amy also teaches cooking, runs art and theater camps, and throws fabulous art parties for kids.

Julie Appel is a writer and a lawyer. Julie resides in New York City with her husband and two children, where she is an avid collector of her children’s art.