Play with Matisse: A Creative Activity Kit

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 2

Let’s make a paper masterpiece! Join Henri Matisse and his friends as they embark on a series of arty adventures.

Jump into the bold and bright world of Henri Matisse, one of history’s most playful artists. This is the first in a series of creative play kits for budding artists ages five and up. The kit includes a concertina foldout that guides readers through step-by-step activities, starting with a simple color-focused exercise and building up to a big collaborative project using found materials. The foldout also demonstrates how to create art with the four kiss-cut stencil sheets and three die-cut picture pockets. Play with Matisse encourages collaboration and imagination. Many of the activities take inspiration from Matisse's life—partner with your own artist’s assistant or learn how to grow a paper “garden” filled with bright blooms and fluttering butterflies. At the heart of author Alice Harman’s text is an important message for young creatives: never give up and always have fun! This is a craft kit with a difference.

About the Author

Alice Harman has written more than forty books for children, including the highly acclaimed Modern Art Explorer, and developed the award-winning Why is Art Full of Naked People?Leanne Bock is a Melbourne-based illustrator, graphic designer, and visual artist. She worked at a multidisciplinary design studio and top advertising agencies in London before returning to Australia to work as a freelancer. Follow her on Instagram @leriquiqui.