Simon at the Art Museum

Written by Christina Soontornvat · Illustrated by Christine Davenier

A boy's museum visit reveals art's impact on diverse visitors.

5.2/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 138 ratings

40 pages· AD540L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Simon explores an art museum with his parents, initially overwhelmed by the endless exhibits. As he takes a break, he observes the varied reactions of visitors—some smile, others frown, a few even cry. Inspired by these encounters, Simon decides to give the art another chance. Will he find a masterpiece that captivates him as much as the café's cheesecake? Discover how a day at the museum transforms Simon's perspective on art and people.

From the publisher

A little boy visits an art museum for the first time in this fun, sweet picture book about first experiences and seeing things from new perspectives.

Simon is having a great time at the museum with his parents. There are slippery, slidey floors! Pigeons flying around the reflecting pool! And cheesecake in the café! But they’re not really here for any of that. No, Simon has to look at art.

And more art.

So. Much. Art.

There’s so much art that soon Simon needs to take a break and finds somewhere to sit. From his bench, he begins to notice how many different people are visiting the museum and the many different ways they react to the art they see. Some people are alone. Some are in groups. Some people smile. Some shake their heads. Some even shed a tear.

And Simon is right in the center of it, watching until he’s inspired to give all the art another try. By the end of the day, he may even find a piece that can rival a slice of cheesecake!

At a glance

Format
Pages: 40
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD540L

Themes & topics

Books about family life Books about family Books about imagination and play Books about habits and behavior Books about art

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.2

out of 7

6.0

“The pen and ink illustrations reminded me of classic children's books, and I appreciated the clever take on a family's trip to an art museum. Soontornvat's dedication to her mom, "who taught me to love art and cheesecake," added a nice personal touch to the story.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

4.3

“A great book for little ones about to experience an art museum (and adults about to experience an art museum with a child!) to give everyone a realistic sense of what the experience might entail, but as a story itself, not much plot.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

The author