Renoir's Colors, by Marie Sellier
This children's board book uses the beautifully impressionistic paintings of Renoir to teach kids about colors. A page with the name of a color opens up a flap that shows a glimpse of a painting, and on the following page the entire painting appears with questions about the scene. It's a great way to help children to interpret and enjoy art from a young age.
Going Away Shoes, by Jill McCorkle
Hailed on NPR as one of the best books of 2009, Going Away Shoes successfully fulfills everyone's desire to glimpse into lives of others--at least for a little while. These glimpses take place over eleven short stories that tell the stories of women with wit and vulnerability. It is a work that really allows readers to engage and empathize with characters--and that's the whole joy of reading, is it not?
Food Lover's Companion, by Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst
I have to rave a bit about my adoration for the Food Lover's Companion. It is the quintessential reference guide for cooks and food enthusiasts. Both thorough and unassuming, this guide will answer all your questions without making you feel amateur. In the process, you might even find yourself becoming even more adventurous in your culinary pursuits.
These all look excellent, Leah! Is Renoir's Colors suitable for my niece? She's three and has the colors down pretty well but her mama is very much in to art. That's the aspect I am curious about. Thanks for the recommendations!
I think it would be perfect for your niece! It's training kids to see color in the larger context of master works. You can find a copy in the Board Books section. Love!