Inspired by his time spent as writer-and-illustrator-in-residence at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Anthony Browne offers children a lighthearted portal to art. This large picture book follows a museum visit by an elementary-school-age boy, his brother, and his parents. The family members’ response to the museum experience initially ranges from transparent boredom (older brother) to eager anticipation (mother). Gradually, the family is united as they are drawn in by the wide-ranging art on display. Initially shown in shades of gray and white, each person’s outfit becomes suffused with vibrant color as they surrender to the experience. Each page invites close inspection, as Browne transplants elements of this ordinary looking family (and other random elements) into the art they are viewing, making it surreal. One of the funniest spreads shows plump Dad simultaneously cast as all eight people in Peter Blake’s work The Meeting or Have a Nice Day, Mr. Hockney , as he rollerblades, strolls, and travels shirtless through a park. On their way home, the energized family plays the “Shape Game” of the title, with one person drawing an abstract shape and another transforming it into something recognizable. The author/artist concludes, “in a way, I’ve been playing the shape game ever since.” (Ages 5–9)

Art makes a difference!

The same family that had such an enlightening experience in Anthony Browne's Zoo is now going to an art museum, Mom's choice for her birthday treat. But wisecracking Dad and their two sons are skeptical about how much fun this trip will be, and they're not quite sure what to make of the art. ("What on earth is that supposed to be?" asks Dad.) But, with Mom’s help, once the boys start really looking at the paintings, they begin to find what pleasures they contain. Most of the family leave with a new appreciation of art – Dad is just never going to get it – as well as a sketchbook. On the trip home, Mom teaches the boys – and readers – a drawing game, which one of her sons (this book’s author) has been playing ever since.

This new book is the product of Anthony Browne's engagement as writer-and-illustrator-in-residence at the Tate Britain in London. There he worked with a thousand children from inner-city schools, teaching literature using the resources in the gallery – and playing the shape game. In his artwork for the book, he surreally transforms, in his signature style, some famous paintings in the Tate's collection.