Book Review: “Just Behave, Pablo Picasso” by Jonah Winter
Recommended reading age: 4 to 8 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)
What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books
Hooking kids’ interest in a legendary artist might seem a lofty goal, but author Jonah Winter makes this subject exciting and fun for readers of all ages in his exhilarating “Just Behave, Pablo Picasso.” Packed with mythic-like depictions of Pablo’s quest for unabashed creativity, this children’s book offers a lively introduction to a visionary who changed art forever.
Told at a swift pace, this story focuses on Picasso’s youthful and rebellious years. It easily squashes any stereotypes of art as stuffy or dull, instead portraying Picasso as a boldly defiant art superhero who kids will surely emulate.
The book also emphasizes an invigorating message for young readers to bravely believe in themselves, even when everyone around them balks.
The story kicks off with glimpses of Picasso’s childhood as an artistic prodigy, followed with a quick, sweeping overview of his artistic evolution as he comes of age. With replicas of Picasso’s famous paintings featured on many pages, this provides a peek into his various artistic phases (like his blue period) without getting bogged down in details.
The book does still convey Picasso’s fearlessness in pursuing new styles, and shows how inspiration can be found in many places, like when he diverges from classic painting after studying African masks.
The story reaches its humorous and imaginative peak when it reveals the shock waves Picasso makes upon revealing his first-ever cubist project. Critics and the public and even his fellow artists are appalled.
Their reaction helps to clearly portray one of Picasso’s most significant achievements: he was among the first to create artwork that didn’t look real.
This follows with a gladiatorial showdown between Picasso and critics (and the overall world). He grows to the height of a skyscraper as he refuses to give in to their demands for him to return to traditional artwork and “just behave.”
The story depicts his defiance to conform with still more hilarious exaggeration, helping to keep kids hooked. This also drives home an invaluable message, showing young readers how a real-life icon persevered in the face of adversity.
This story will not only make kids knowledgeable and appreciative of a creative genius – they might also gain inspiration to stick with their personal ambitions, no matter what others think.
How My Child Reacted to This Book
My son in preschool was enthusiastic over many parts of this story, especially the silly and exaggerated moments, like when Picasso swells to Godzilla proportions to defy his critics.
When we reached the page where viewers act appalled at one of Picasso’s cubist pieces, my son wanted to look closely at the painting to identify what was portrayed there.
We also enjoyed taking a few minutes to chat about which of Picasso’s pieces in the book we liked best.
Potential Conversations and Activities to Pair with This Book
“Just Behave, Picasso” offers families a chance to talk with kids about how art can come in many different forms. They can use Picasso’s paintings in the book as examples of how art doesn’t always have to look real, and how it can help people see the world in a different way.
This can also serve as an opportunity to show kids more examples of Picasso’s work online. Kids might enjoy pointing out the differences between his various artistic periods.
And because the book highlights how Picasso experimented with a variety of artistic styles, kids might enjoy making their own paintings or drawings, with the challenge of creating something in their own creative style.
More Children’s Books Like This
‘Camille and the Sunflowers’ – The Story of a Real Boy Who Befriended Vincent van Gogh
‘Bats in the Band’ – Introducing Kids to Musical Instruments with Furry Friends
‘Ballet Kids’ Celebrates the Joy of Dance for Boys and Girls Alike