Anna at the Art Museum is a picturebook written by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert, and illustrated by Lil Crump. Going to the art museum with her mom is no fun at all for Anna. Everything is old and boring and there are so many rules: Don’t Touch! Do Not Enter! Quiet! A vigilant guard keeps a close eye on the energetic little girl, but even so, Anna manages to set off an alarm and almost tip over a vase. A half-open door draws Anna’s attention, but the No Entry sign means yet again that it’s off-limits. This time, however, the guard surprises her by inviting her to go in. Here she finds a “secret workshop” where paintings are being cleaned and repaired. Staring out from one of the canvases is a girl who looks grumpy and bored—just like Anna herself. With the realization that art often imitates life, Anna discovers the sheer joy to be had from the paintings on the wall, especially those that reflect what is happening all around her.
Anna at the Art Museum is a picturebook that recognizes that things that can be fun do not always feel like it when our energy level and mood want more than the rules around us require. Following the rules in the art museum is hard for Anna, and honestly most children (and some adults). However, Anna is lucky enough to get a glimpse of things she might not otherwise see that allows her to enjoy the more sedate activities. I think this is important for children and parents alike, to see that if we can relate to the art or activity we are much more likely to enjoy the journey. That connection is what made following the rules and enjoying the museum possible for Anna, and much less stressful for her mother. I thought the illustrations captured the beauty and uniqueness of the art, and the mood and motion of Anna very well. The theme that life imitates art is easily noticed once you look at the illustrations, and see those commonalities. I also like that they show other children having a hard time in the museum, so Anna is not shown as bad or unusual in her struggles. I really enjoyed the additional information that is given at the end of the book about the real art that is featured in the story. I like that it is a fairly diverse selection of art.
Anna at the Art Museum is a wonderful picturebook about art and how we can see the reflection of reality in it. This would be a great book to look at before introducing creating or appreciating art in school or at home, or to preface a trip of your own to an art museum. 
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