
Titles in This Set
Katie in London
Katie and the Spanish Princess
Katie and the Waterlily Pond
Katie and the Bathers
Katie and the Starry Night
Katie in Scotland
Katie's London Christmas
Katie and the Sunflowers
Katie and the Dinosaurs
Katie and the Impressionists
Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Orchard Books
Age Range: Ages 3-7 (Preschool-Grade 2)
Overview
Introduce young readers to the wonder of art with the Katie Series Collection by James Mayhew, ten paperback picture books following a curious girl who steps right into famous paintings. Each story pairs gentle, imaginative storytelling with vivid illustrations inspired by real artworks and artists, from Monet's water lilies to Van Gogh's starry sky. Perfect for preschool and early elementary readers, this set turns museum visits and art history into playful, accessible adventures. It's an engaging way to build early literacy, spark curiosity about color, and nurture a love of art at home or in the classroom.
About the Books
The Katie series by James Mayhew has charmed young readers for years by blending classic picture-book storytelling with a genuine introduction to fine art. In each title, a curious girl named Katie finds herself magically transported into a famous painting, where she meets the people, places, and creatures depicted within the frame. Whether she's exploring Trafalgar Square with a living stone lion, paddling through Monet's lily pond, or watching Van Gogh's night sky swirl overhead, Katie's adventures make gallery-worthy art feel like an open invitation to play. Mayhew's warm, rhythmic text is matched by softly detailed illustrations that echo the style of the artworks being explored, helping children begin to notice brushwork, color, and mood without ever feeling like a lesson. This ten-book paperback collection gathers Katie's journeys through London landmarks, European portraiture, Impressionist gardens, and even a playful dinosaur museum outing, giving young readers a wide variety of settings and themes to enjoy. The consistent, comforting presence of Katie as the main character ties the collection together, so children can dip into any title and quickly feel at home in her imaginative world. Because each story stands alone, the set works equally well read cover to cover or picked up one book at a time for bedtime or story hour. Parents, teachers, and librarians have long valued the series for making art history approachable, and this collection offers an easy, budget-friendly way to bring that experience into a home library or classroom reading corner.
Key Benefits
Book-by-Book Guide
Katie in London — Katie and her brother Jack discover a Trafalgar Square lion has come to life and whisks them off on a magical tour of the city's best-loved landmarks.
Katie and the Spanish Princess — Katie steps into a grand royal portrait and meets a real Spanish princess, sparking a playful adventure through history and courtly life.
Katie and the Waterlily Pond — Katie wanders into Monet's shimmering water garden, where she paddles among lilies and discovers how the artist captured light on water.
Katie and the Bathers — Katie joins a sun-splashed riverside scene of swimmers and picnickers, learning how painters use color and movement to bring a moment to life.
Katie and the Starry Night — Katie is swept into Van Gogh's swirling night sky, riding the wind among glowing stars in one of art's most famous scenes.
Katie in Scotland — Katie travels north to explore misty lochs and highland scenery, connecting Scottish landscapes with the artists who painted them.
Katie's London Christmas — Katie celebrates the holiday season with a festive trip through wintry London streets and twinkling seasonal sights.
Katie and the Sunflowers — Katie visits Van Gogh's iconic sunflower fields and studio, learning how a simple bouquet inspired one of art's most recognizable paintings.
Katie and the Dinosaurs — Katie's museum visit takes an unexpected turn when ancient skeletons and prehistoric creatures come to life around her.
Katie and the Impressionists — Katie meets a lineup of Impressionist masters and their paintings, discovering how a single art movement changed the way the world was seen.
About the Author
James Mayhew is a British author and illustrator best known for creating the beloved Katie series, which introduces young children to the world of fine art through playful storytelling. Drawing on his own love of galleries and museums, Mayhew has spent his career finding imaginative ways to make art history feel welcoming and fun for children. In addition to the Katie books, he has written and illustrated other well-loved children's titles and is known for his warm, detailed artwork that pairs beautifully with his gentle, story-driven text. His work remains a favorite among parents and educators.
Why You'll Love This Collection
This ten-book Katie collection makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or any young reader curious about art and adventure. With a beloved character, colorful illustrations, and stories perfect for bedtime or classroom read-alouds, it's an easy way to build a home library that grows imagination and a genuine appreciation for art.
Please Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.
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