[Hakugado's "Famous Story Series"]
The "Famous Story Series" was created with the desire to create an environment where children could easily experience authentic art.
This picture book collection features large, vibrantly colored illustrations. Since its first publication in 1992, it has been enjoyed by many families as an "art experience that can be enjoyed at home." Child education experts have also praised it, saying, "It's important for children to know the real thing. Exposing children to good art from an early age will help develop their sensibilities." Adults can also enjoy it as an introduction to art.
It has been selected by the Japan Library Association/National Council of School Libraries and is recommended for use in school textbooks.
Series introduction page: https://www.hakugado.co.jp
Series introduction blog: https://www.hakugado.co.jp/%e3%83%96%e3%83%ad%e3%82%b0
[Recommendation from Takashi Yanase]
As a child, I loved art, so from a young age I grew up looking at the complete art collections in my father's study. However, they were all aimed at adults, so I couldn't understand the explanatory text. I wanted to know more about the artist's personality. I wanted to know what kind of person created this painting, but the technical details were difficult to understand. This "Famous Paintings Story Series" has large prints and vivid images, making it interesting enough for adults as well as children to read, and I think it triples the fun and enjoyment of looking at the paintings.
Volume 20: "The Birth of Jesus and the Rumored Mural" (B4 variant, 64 full-color pages, 36 illustrations)
The "Rumored Mural" refers to a mural in the Medici Chapel in Florence, painted by the 15th-century Italian painter Benozzo Gozzoli.
This book focuses on this mural and introduces many other masterpieces depicting scenes such as the birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Magi. It provides detailed explanations of who is depicted in the procession of the Magi, including numerous enlarged illustrations. It is enjoyable for a wide range of audiences, from children to adults.
In addition to Benozzo Gozzoli, the works featured include Fra Filippo Lippi, Correggio, and Ghirlandaio.
(Toho's Adoration of the Magi)
"The Adoration of the Magi" is a story from the Old Testament. The gifts of the Three Wise Men are said to be the origin of the Christmas gift-giving custom, and the Star of Bethlehem that guided them is said to be the origin of the star that adorns Christmas trees; these traditions have had a profound influence on our culture today.
(Florence)
Florence is a beautiful Italian city that flourished as the center of the Renaissance and is also known as the "City of Flowers."
Even today, many cathedrals and ancient buildings remain, delighting visitors from around the world with their sculptures and paintings. Looking at these buildings and the paintings on their walls, one can almost hear the vivid voices of people from long ago.
Reading this book will surely inspire your dreams of one day visiting Florence and seeing these murals with your own eyes.
