A visually compelling resource for children to learn about art all around the world. The book has a nice combination of illustration combined with photographic reproductions. An inclusive, diverse overview of the world of art for children.

This children’s book provides an impressive journey through the history of art, crossing both time and space in its inclusive selection of art around the world in many times and cultures. It’s splendidly illustrated by Dion MBD, who manages to incorporate many forms and styles of actual historical artworks into the imagery.

Thank you to author Sarah Phillips, illustrator Dion MBD, Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

This lovely book helps children see art throughout history, starting in 1350 BCE in Giza, Egypt and ending with Ai Wei Wei in 1968. But this is not another trek through Western Art history from Michelangelo to Monet - author Sarah Phillips effectively decolonizes art history by showing us 33 important works from all over the world, including Indonesia, Sudan, Guatemala, Japan and Russia and artists from a variety of backgrounds, faiths and races. Phillips contextualizes them so young readers learn about their lives, influences and the materials with which they worked. Information is also given about where the art is now and whether it can be viewed by the public (she pointedly notes that many works from Africa (in particular) were taken by conquerors during the colonization era).

The illustrations by Dion Mehaga Bangun Djayasaputra are notable. Each spread contains lively and beautifully drawn images of the art and artists being presented, integrated with actual pictures of the art being discussed.

As a teacher of art appreciation, I applaud this effort (can they do one for adults now please?). My only question is what age is the proper audience. Although the short, illustrated format seems meant for smaller children, some of the facts, names and places would be better absorbed by older children. I can see it being used in 3rd - 5th grade classes, hopefully in geography and history study as well as art. In addition to decolonizing the history of art, this book can also play a role in helping children understand that art doesn’t just live in museums, and knowledge of art can and should be integrated into curriculum as an equal player.

Many thanks to Quarto/Wide Eyed Publications and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a children’s book but as someone who knows little about art this is a great introduction. Nice illustrations, easy to understand information and well laid out this is a great book for learning about art around the world

A Whole World of Art is a compelling resource for kids to learn about art history. It spans across eras and continents. Visually rich and entertaining, although all artworks didn't resonate equally with me, some are more appealing than others. It's not a detailed account of the rich history of art, but it imparts some interesting information, highlighting artists that may not be well-known to the younger generation. Fun fact, you'll even learn about the real people that inspired Disney for its hit The Lion King.

Very fun educational book about art around the world. I really love that the book is part illustration and part photos of the actual art to make it fun. Definitely more for older children like 1st grade and up.