Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Children's Fiction Art & Architecture

Outside Art

by (author) Madeline Kloepper

Publisher
Tundra
Initial publish date
Jan 2021
Category
Art & Architecture, General, General
Recommended Age
4 to 8
Recommended Grade
p to 3
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780735264199
    Publish Date
    Jan 2021
    List Price
    $21.99

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

Join a curious pack of woodland animals as they try to understand what art is and create their own in this beautiful, playful picture book.

Pine Marten loves watching Human doing peculiar things in its log nest in the woods. One day, she notices Human putting colors on a board using a furry stick. Pine Marten learns from Chickadee that Human is actually "an artist" and is busy "making art." But what is art?

Soon all of the animals in the forest are wondering: why is Human doing this? Is it a warning? Is it looking for a mate? Is there any meaning at all? And if Human can make "art," why can't the animals do it too?

Outside Art is a gorgeous and gently humorous exploration of art, creativity and nature by up-and-coming author-illustrator Madeline Kloepper.

About the author

Madeline Kloepper is a Canadian artist who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in illustration from Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Although she grew up in the lower mainland of British Columbia amidst a sea of humans and spent a few years in Vancouver, she has since migrated northward to Prince George. Madeline’s work is influenced by childhood, nostalgia and the relationships we forge with nature. She has also illustrated Little Blue Chair by Cary Fagan.

Madeline Kloepper's profile page

Awards

  • Nominated, Chocolate Lily Award
  • Short-listed, Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society Book Award

Editorial Reviews

One of CCBC’s Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2021 — Starred Pick

“The illustrations, with their nature-hued palette, simple, sturdy forms, and good use of white space . . . [are] appealing [and] cozy.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This outside-in approach to an enduringly thorny question is enlivened by gouache and pencil illustrations of a stylized woodland populated by wide-eyed creatures and one wild-haired Human, all busy making their marks on the world.” —Publishers Weekly
“This is an entertaining exploration of art’s various meanings, for creator and viewer, and how it can engage and inspire.” —Booklist
“Outside Art is sure to ignite much stimulating conversation and ideas on this enduring philosophical question, making it a valuable and much-read addition to any home, public and school library. Highly Recommended." —CM Magazine

Other titles by

Related lists