If Picasso painted a SNOWMAN: A Drather B Reading Winter Picture Book Recommendation

This picture book recommendation, “If Picasso painted a Snowman”, written by Amy Newbold, illustrated by Greg Newbold can be found at:

Amazon (not affiliated at this time)

https://www.worldcat.org/ Library near you

https://www.indiebound.org/ Local Bookstore

WHAT IF?

I love the concept of this picture book and the series that goes with it. In 2022, I found this series and met the Newbold wife-and-husband team at the WIFYR Conference. I bought the books and my grandsons grab them every time they come over. Let me tell you why I love them so MUCH!

WHY I RECOMMEND “IF PICASSO PAINTED A SNOWMAN”

Amy Newbold got the idea for this book when she was in Paris at a Picasso museum with her sisters. She said, “What if Picasso painted a snowman?” Her sister said, “you should write that!” And the idea was born. Her simple narration carries readers/kids along, adding words to explain the art, which is sometimes necessary.

I love teaching. Anything that educates is right up my ally — and if it does it in a fun and entertaining way, all the better. I also love art, but honestly, learning about art can be a little boring (at least for me). I like to look at it and hang it in my house and copy it, even. But learning about different artists can be a snoozefest. This book is anything but boring. The art is AMAZING! The little hamster character is relatable. PLUS it teaches! How to draw a snowman, about artists, art styles, as well as advice for artists. Best of all, its message encourages young artists to simply create without fear.

Amazing Art

If Picasso Painted a Snowman is fun to look at. Greg had to be a chameleon, to use his own words. How hard would it be to reproduce existing works of art in a totally unique way? Some of the pieces make you laugh. Others are confusing if you’re not familiar with the artist — but that just stirs curiosity, right? Certain art pops out and several are soft and subtle. Incredible talent!!

The Hamster Host

The darling main character of this book is an art curator hamster. Animals are applicable as children’s main characters. They’re not always gender, race, or age specific. They represent everyone.

I like to ask the kids, “What do you think his name is?” And then we name him. He is the artist at the beginning and leads us through each page, introducing the masterpieces. It’s amusing how he dresses up as the artists. You can find him on (nearly) every page even if you don’t see him. This creates an opportunity for us to interact with our kids as we identify where he is and who he looks like. “Why do you think he has a band aid on his head?” (Look for Van Gogh.) “Hmmm. I wonder where he went. Where do you think he is right now?” (Remember to ask open-ended questions, not just yes and no.)

I also love how the illustrator shows a variety of art mediums throughout the book. We can point out the pencils, crayons, paint, brushes, compass, and ruler. The older our child or student, the more we can use the various tools. “Let’s use the compass to make perfect circles. I’ll show you how, then you can do it.”

Creative Way to Teach Art

Learn to Love it

Any age can enjoy If Picasso Painted a Snowman. Our fourteen-year-old granddaughter pointed out how she learned about this or that artist in her junior high art class. Awesome, right? My one-year-old grandsons love to turn through the pages and point at anything they like. As I’ve said before, teach someone to love something, and they’ll teach themselves that “thing”. Teach them to love books or art or reading or music . . . they’ll seek it out. I love that this book fosters a love of books and art at the same time.

How-To Lesson

My three and four-year-old grandsons are starting to draw. The ‘story’ starts by teaching a simple way to draw a snowman. We might put the book down right there and practice drawing circles.

But If Picasso painted a Snowman . . . Lesson on Artists

The rest of the book introduces its readers to various artists. I learned a lot. This is where we can use this book for all ages! Pull out the whole series if you home school or you’re an art teacher or a teacher in any capacity. I personally think it’s a great introduction for high-school kids. Each book introduces seventeen new artists by showing what one of their famous pieces of art would look like if they did it with a new subject. I know you’ll recognize some of these, but maybe not others. At the back of the book, they spotlight each artist so you can learn more about them and their art style.

Art Styles

How do we know what art style we like if we never see a variety? The various art styles illustrated here are amazing. I can’t name them all, but guess what? I’m learning! Which picture is your child’s favorite? Why? Do they lean to one style over another? How about you? I love watercolor a lot, and I’m a huge fan of impressionism.

Tips for Young Artists

Also at the end of the book, they give advice for artists. “Developing your unique artistic style and voice takes work, so keep practicing.” And then they give three tips. The entire book focuses on the message they are giving throughout this series.

Inspirational Message for ALL Artists

“Not all artists paint the same.”

On Greg Newbold’s website, he has a video interview. In it, he talks about this series and the message that “Art is wide open. . . you can paint and draw however you want.” How many people stop trying to draw or be artistic because it doesn’t look as good as somebody else’s, or someone says they’re not doing it right?

We don’t all do it the same. Isn’t that a great message to carry into life? It is okay to do everything in our own way. How boring if everything were exactly the same.

Challenge

The last page of illustration gives a challenge . . . or poses a question, rather. “What would your snowman look like?” If I’m babysitting, I print out this page nearly every time. Sure, they could use a blank piece of paper, but they love to draw/color/paint on the canvas that the author and illustrator provide. Just like me, they like to include a “Your Turn”.

YOUR TURN

Please share your thoughts with us. I hope you’ll check out the Newbold’s other books and introduce your children to a wide variety of art and artists. Who is your favorite? Do you have a style you like the best? Do you set the example of being artistic and doing things different for your children? If not, I hope you’ll try. As Greg says, “Just do art. Art has power.”