PICTURE BOOKS

But Art Is Awful!

by Cassi McCreight (text) & illus. by Xindi Yan
Abrams. May 2026. 40p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781419779473. K-Gr 3
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K-Gr 3–Art lovers and art-lovers-to-be need to unite over this book, which offers a look at a journey to an art museum. The unnamed, ungendered protagonist—tan skin, black curly hair—is stubbornly against visiting the local art museum. Once at the museum, the child starts to slowly fall in love with the artwork that is everywhere. With vibrant illustrations that take inspiration from Pollock and Mondrian as well as Pixar and Disney, this title combines the whimsy of a child’s initial distaste for art with a heartwarming story about celebrating modern art and museums. Readers see that what starts out as a chore turns into a day of discovery.
VERDICT A worthwhile purchase, this is a creative tale suitable for classroom use or in read-alouds.
Reviewed by Sarah Nashak , Mar 01, 2026

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