What Is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art

Steven Weinberg's "What Is Color?" is a lively and engaging nonfiction guide that takes young readers on a global journey through the history and science of color. From the origins of pigments to the chemistry of light and the impact on art, this book covers it all with a zany, humorous tone and eye-catching illustrations. It's perfect for curious minds aged 4-11 who love a mix of art, science, and a dash of gross-out facts, like how cow pee was once used for yellow. The extensive backmatter includes a glossary and hands-on activities, making it a fantastic resource for both home and classroom learning.

In this zany and vibrantly illustrated nonfiction guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter! So what is color? A red apple? A yellow banana? The purple goo from a squished sea snail? Once you start digging, color turns out to be a lot of things--it’s messy, stinky, and even a little bit dangerous. You may already know that it’s art, but it’s science, too! What Is Color? will take readers all over the world, introducing them to talented, brilliant, creative people from scientists to famous artists and everyone in between as we take the color wheel for a spin. Perfect for curious and creative minds who love paintbrushes as much as microscopes, this clever and eye-catching full-color nonfiction book dives deep into the strange, wacky, silly, and occasionally perilous history behind the colors that paint our everyday lives. Readers will get: • A laugh-out-loud funny adventure full of gross-out facts (like how cow pee can be used to make the color yellow!). • Hilarious illustrations that encourage creativity and fun while learning! • A kid-friendly primer on global art history, from Yayoi Kusama to Van Gogh, Basquiat, and many more. • A dazzling full-color book, with rainbow edges and vibrant info-filled endpapers. • Extensive backmatter with a glossary plus art and science activities perfect for the classroom and home!