The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art

noisypaintboxWritten by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Mary GrandPre


Vasya Kandinsky did everything his parents asked him to do. He studied his subjects, practiced the piano, sat up straight and was very polite. He was a proper little gentleman. But then one day, his aunt gives him a paint box, and from then on his life would never be the same. When Vasya mixed and swirled the colors together, it was like a music symphony going on his head. He could hear the colors as if they were the orchestra. As Vasya grows older, the inner conflict of how to live his life is decided and, being true to himself, he became the first prominent abstract artist. I loved this book for its message of following your dream and doing what you love. Mary GrandPre has totally captured the vibrant and exuberant feeling of color and music. This is not a complete biography, but in the back of the book, there is additional information and sources to learn more. There are also some pictures of actual paintings done by Kandinsky. I read this book on Overdrive and thought it was so beautiful, and I am anxious to see the actual book. I’m so glad it received a Caldecott Honor this year as this book is well deserving of that honor.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grade K-3, and anyone who loves art

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art
Written by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Mary GrandPre
Alfred A. Knopf
32 pages
Release Date: February 11, 2014

Categories: Elem. – Nonfiction
Tags: Caldecott Honor Book 2015, Kandinshy, Wassily, 1866-1944, Artists-Russia-Biography

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