The Iridescence of Birds

The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Hadley Hooper (Roaring Books Press, 2014).

I love this book about the famous modern artist Matisse.  Written by the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, it tells the story of Matisse when he was a little boy and how is mother influenced his art and the way he viewed the world by bringing color into their dreary grey surroundings in France.  Hooper's illustrations perfectly capture the feeling of Matisse's work without just replicating it and keeps it playful for children. 

You can find some good Matisse art activities for kids at The Crafty Classroom and Deep Space Sparkle.