The Van Gogh Museum has collaborated with Uitgeverij Ploegsma to publish a series of sturdy board books that playfully introduce young children to the art of Vincent van Gogh.
The books invite children and their caregivers to look together and name what they see. Van Gogh’s paintings – from landscapes to flowers and still lifes – help toddlers learn their first words and colours. Through the work of one of the Netherlands’ most beloved artists, they are introduced to both language and art in an accessible, engaging way.
The book Vincent – First Words features cropped details of recognisable objects from Van Gogh’s paintings, paired with the corresponding word. Well-known works such as The Yellow House (The Street) and The Bedroom are included.
Vincent – Colours was introduced in July 2025, to help toddlers learn their first colours. This board book introduces seven colours through Van Gogh’s vivid and distinctive paintings – from the yellow of Sunflowers to the warm green of Trees and Undergrowth.
Vincent himself wrote about colour to his brother Theo:
‘Theo, what a great thing tone and colour are! And anyone who doesn’t acquire a feeling for it, how far removed from life he will remain!’
Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, Etten, on or about Friday, 23 December 1881.