Giraffe Kahlo and Hippo Venus: Classic Artworks Re-Imagined for Kids
A beautifully imaginative new book for kids – The National Menagerie of Art by Thaïs Vanderheyden – introduces children to the fun and fantastical classical art world with its animal-inspired representations of some of the best loved masterpieces of all time. Published by Prestel.
Lists of things kids love typically include snacks, rapid mood changes, and possibly mud – but The National Menagerie of Art is sure to encourage an unexpected new addition…why not classical artworks?
This wonderful hardback book, published by Prestel, introduces youngsters to 31 of the best known paintings in the world, but with a charming twist! In each piece, loveable animals take the place of human subjects, creating instantly recognisable yet magically transformed works of art, perfect for little first-timers and established enthusiasts alike.
For each piece, not only is the image itself skilfully modified – think gorgeous hippo Venus, Frida Kahlo posing as a giraffe, and piglets twirling in tutus – but the name of the painting and artist is also changed to allow for maximum giggles. The National Menagerie of Art spans major schools and centuries to give a real flavour of the range of great works out there; the book travels from Sandro (Bottismelli) and Leonardo (Da Stinki) to (Bunny) Hopper and (Bark) Rothko, via (Aardvark) Munch, Vincent (Van Goat) and many others. For adults already familiar with these famous works, each one feels like a delightful inside joke (my personal favourite was the mysteriously smiling La Gi-oink-onda) while kids will be equal parts amused and educated, making for a wonderful shared experience.
As well as the enchanting ‘animal versions’, the book also includes a matching ‘real versions’ gallery, which provides a brief introduction to the original paintings, specifically written with young art lovers in mind. Not only did my kids enjoy matching up the two sets of pictures, but the oldest, who takes ballet classes, has become so interested in Degas and his representations of dancers that he has been doing some extensive Googling and now wants to go and see some of his work on display – so I can now claim to be raising a lover of Impressionism! My other offspring, who have previously been aggressively neutral to the idea of mooching around an art gallery, are now also feeling tempted by the idea of being able to spot some of the ‘animal versions’ which they’ve enjoyed up on the walls.
The hardback is beautifully presented, and wouldn’t look out of place on even the most stylish of bookshelves (not that mine are!). Unlike art books for adults, which can sometimes be chunky and unwieldy, it is also the perfect size for little hands. Although I won’t be giving my copy away, this would doubtless make an excellent gift – perhaps with tickets to a gallery exhibition enclosed (or on second thoughts, maybe not).
The mastermind behind The National Menagerie of Art is Belgian illustrator and author of children’s books, Thaïs Vanderheyden. A mother of four herself, she is passionate about presenting art to all youngsters – from toddlers upwards – in ways which they will appreciate, and which will inspire in them the same love for artistic masterpieces which she feels. With this fantastically inventive, captivatingly presented and charmingly imagined book, she certainly achieves just that!
