BLUE & OTHER COLOURS: WITH HENRI MATISSE by Henri Matisse

This board book for children aged 1–3 uses the work of French artist Henri Matisse to teach colours through the abstract expressions of his cut-out art. It is a creative read-aloud book that introduces children to colours through Henri Matisse’s palette.

Titled Blue & Other Colours, the book features one artwork per page, beginning with blue and returning to it in a familiar refrain throughout. The varying shapes, depth, and scale of the artworks on each page keep readers engaged, while the text enriches the reading experience with relatable commentary that encourages conversation.

Henri Matisse’s innovative use of colour has inspired generations of artists. His cut-outs—collages made from shapes cut from painted paper in a process he described as ‘painting with scissors’—have become some of the most admired works of the last century.

Through this groundbreaking book, readers will not only learn their colours but also grow familiar with fine art.

Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board books uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks, while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ section. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, and Josef Albers.

Henri Matisse’s abstract cut-outs are used to teach colours in this innovative read-aloud board book.

Blue & Other Colours takes children through Henri Matisse’s colour palette, one artwork per page, beginning with blue and returning to it as a familiar refrain throughout. The variance of shapes, depth, and scale of the shapes on each page will keep readers engaged, while the text enriches the reading experience with relatable commentary that encourages conversation.

Henri Matisse's innovative use of colour has inspired generations of artists. His cutouts – collages made from shapes cut from painted paper in a process he described as ‘painting with scissors’ – have become some of the most admired works of the last century.

Through this groundbreaking book, readers will not only learn their colours, but also grow familiar with fine art.

Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, and Josef Albers.

Age range: 1-3 years