The Man with the Fish on His Head by P. J. Kennan (author)
In this rhyming tale, we meet Pablo—and eccentric man who decides one day to put a fish on his head. At first, he’s met with ridicule and teasing from those around him. But, as time goes by, people start to notice him and his unique style—and before long, Pablo becomes famous! Inspired by the art and philosophy of René Magritte, this book is not only a fun and engaging read but also serves as an introduction to surrealism.
Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (authors) and Robert Andrew Parker (illustrator)
One late spring morning, the American artist Jackson Pollock began work on the canvas that ultimately became one of his most famous pieces of his career. Award-winning authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan use this moment as the starting point for a unique picture book about a great painter and the way he worked. Their text, drawn from Pollock’s own comments and those made by members of his immediate circle, is perfectly complimented by vibrant watercolors by Robert Andrew Parker that honor the spirit of Pollock.
Miró’s Magic Animals by Antony Penrose (author and illustrator)
This book offers a unique look at the work of a great artist as seen through the eyes of a child. Author Antony Penrose, the child of surrealist artists, tells the story of meeting Spanish surrealist Joan Miró. Tony’s memories are brought to life with beautiful reproductions of some of Miró’s finest works, as well as evocative archival photography by Lee Miller and specially commissioned artworks painted by children in the style of Miró. We see the renowned painter from a new perspective: as the slightly eccentric visitor to Tony’s childhood home, during an excursion to Miró’s farm, and on a trip to London Zoo, where Miró asked to see “large birds, snakes, and strange creatures of the night.”
Magritte’s Marvelous Hat by D. B. Johnson (author and illustrator)
D. B. Johnson writes and illustrates the surreal story of famous surrealist painter René Magritte and his very mysterious (and sometimes mischievous!) hat. This delightful picture book captures the playfulness and the wonderment of surrealist art. Four transparent pages add yet another level of surrealism to the illustrations, as pictures can be altered with the turn of a page!
Dalí and the Path of Dreams by Anna Obiols (author) and Subi (illustrator)
Enjoy an adventure story about the young Salvador Dalí, inspired by the famous painter’s style. Little Salvi, as he was known in his youth, rides on a long-legged elephant, encounters a chef who tosses clocks like pizzas, flies on a floating boat, and so much more!
Willy the Dreamer by Anthony Browne (author and illustrator)
Willy loves to dream. He dreams that he’s a film star, a sumo wrestler, a ballet dancer, a painter, and explorer, a scuba diver . . . and sometimes he dreams that he can fly! Willy’s dreamland is an amazing gallery of magical pictures that pay homage to famous paintings by artists like Dalí, Magritte, and more!
I Want to Be a Vase by Julio Torres (author) and Julian Glander (Illustrator)
Shapes. You’ve heard of them. You might have even interacted with a few. But do you really know them? From plucky Plunger, who wishes to defy his shape and become a beautiful vase, to other household objects with dreams of a life beyond their predestined roles, I Want to Be a Vase takes readers on an essential and visually stunning journey through the lives and intimate dramas of often-overlooked household appliances.
International Surrealism from Tate: Fifty Years of Dreams
is on view at the Frist from May 22–August 30, 2026.
Supported in part by
Presented in part by
