My Cup of Art
My Cup of Art
Description
Age range 9+
This little pop-up book by artist Katerina Karolik is about a seemingly ordinary object - the tea or coffee cup. Seen through an artist's eyes, however, everyday items can take on new and unexpected forms.
If you are curious about what a cup by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian or Kazimir Malevich might look like, read on! You are sure to enjoy this playful and imaginative book about an item found on every kitchen table that still has the power to surprise.
'Gr 1-3Using the loosest of phrases, "inspired by," Karolik recreates such pieces as van Gogh's The Starry Night, Kandinsky's Composition VIII, Mondrian's Composition II with Red, Blue and Yellow, and Hopper's Nighthawks with the inclusion of cups or mugs to show how looking at the world with an artist's eye can inform everything. She puts a bright yellow mug of steaming liquid against the familiar starry sky in van Gogh's field of blue with a just-as-vivid sunflower. The handle gives way to reveal beneath a flap the artist's ear. Egon Schiele's extraordinary gaze at viewers is concealed in the mug that replaces his head but flips up to reveal it. Next to each creation are facts about the featured artist, the choices Karolik has made, and prompts - often with answers - as to what has inspired the painting. It's a challenging book, a riveting set of decisions and worthy of re-readings. With its flaps and lift-ups, it's not ideal for institutional use, but worth the risk. The conversations students might have about that ear-handle alone are worth the cost of replacement copies. VERDICT A thoughtful work of art about works of art, and about the artists behind the work.' School Library Journal
'This Czech import uses a coffee cup as a way to interpret the art of nine modern artists. Karolik introduces the book with short paragraphs explaining that "Great artists painted ordinary things..." She takes a well-known artwork from each artist and re-imagines it with a cup as the centerpiece. Each of nine spreads contains the re-imagined image, along with a description of the artist's painting style and several key words that describe their work. And each spread has a pop-up component. These showcase the artist's personality or trademark style. The Egon Schiele spread explains the importance of line and emotion, and the flap under the cup lifts up to reveal an emotional face as shown in a self-portrait from 1912. The last spread invites the reader to add their own cup drawing in a framed insert. Although not specifically labelled as a book on modern art, the work examines artists from several modernist movements, from impressionism's Vincent van Gogh to pop art's Yayoi Kusama. I like that readers get an overview of their philosophy through words and an image. The book is a playful exercise in style for older readers who won't confuse the images with artwork from the profiled artists.' Youth Services Book Review
Customers Also Viewed
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.