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Go Hardcover – Illustrated, 16 April 2014 Hardcover – April 16, 2014
- Print length160 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWorkman Publishing
- Publication dateApril 16, 2014
- Grade level2 - 3
- Dimensions8.5 x 0.75 x 11 inches
- ISBN-10076117219X
- ISBN-13978-0761172192
- Lexile measure1100L
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
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Review
Kidd’s folksy, conversational tone, in which he speaks directly to readers, is appealing. . . . This is a book not only for art classes, but also for courses in journalism, communications, media, and writing, for units on persuasive writing and advertising, and to demonstrate how strong visual images convey meaning and appeal."
– School Library Journal (starred review)
"Beginning with the striking cover design—a red stop sign reading "GO"—this book challenges our assumptions about what we see and read. Kidd skillfully uses typography and illustration to demonstrate how graphic design informs the ways we make decisions that affect our lives. . . . An engaging introduction to a critical feature of our modern, design-rich environment."
– Kirkus Reviews
"A series of lucid, witty, and absorbing analyses of graphic design techniques . . . tomorrow’s designers will want to grab a pencil and get going."
– Publishers Weekly
“'GO: A Kidd's Guide To Graphic Design,' is pretty awesome.”
– The Huffington Post
“Kidd . . . uses his writing skill to make design theory more interesting and appealing for young artists. . . . A great choice for the high school student considering a design career and perhaps for older or younger readers as well.”
– Library Journal
“Chip Kidd is the world’s pre-eminent book-jacket designer. He’s done more than 1,000 of them, and built such a sterling reputation that several high-profile authors, including Oliver Sacks, have it in their contracts that Kidd design their book covers. The man has mastered graphic design. But that’s not to say his job is without challenges. One of the more recent ones? How to think like a 10-year-old. . . . Kidd faced that challenge to create his new book, Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design. The book covers the fundamentals of graphic design: form, typography, content and concept. . . . Kidd’s book features many examples of great design, including some of his own covers, to illustrate points. It’s as much a visual experience as an intellectual one, which is a measure of great graphic design. . . The ideas in Go are simple, whether it is playing with scale or how fonts convey meaning. And they are all put forward so clearly and with such visual flair that readers will walk away feeling like junior Milton Glasers. Many, actually, maybe not so junior. . . . Considering that it’s a Chip Kidd book, meaning fantastically designed, and that it covers a very popular subject, there’s a good chance that some adults will grab it for themselves.”
– The Globe and Mail
“Chip Kidd has been called the closest thing to a rock star in the design world. . . . In his new book, Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design, Kidd shares this rock star wisdom with the pubescent set, explaining the basics of typography, form, function, color, branding with playful narration and eye-popping visuals. . . . It’s written for young readers aged 10 and up, but its witty, direct approach makes it a perfect primer for older design rookies as well. And the design of the book itself is, of course, far too beautiful to be reserved just for children.”
–Co.Design, a Fast Company blog
“The design superstar gives us a crash course in the field; not surprisingly the book itself is extraordinarily designed!”
–Pop Candy, a USA Today blog
“A thing of beauty.”
–People Magazine
“In Go, Kidd—the renowned book-jacket designer—repeats the mantra “Form follows function” and adheres to it beautifully. The form of the book—a clever meld of text and images—follows its function, which is to convey the fundamentals of graphic design. Even if you’re not an aspiring graphic artist, you’ll learn the logic behind common symbols, like button arrangements on remote controls or the typefaces used in novels.”
–Entertainment Weekly
“At a time when arts programs in schools are under assault, [Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design] offers a beautiful distillation of the principles of great design and the careful decisions that go into making things look the way they do. The book is "for kids," but this grown-up was captivated too.”
—Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Disney Animation, in the Wall Street Journal
Kidd’s folksy, conversational tone, in which he speaks directly to readers, is appealing. . . . This is a book not only for art classes, but also for courses in journalism, communications, media, and writing, for units on persuasive writing and advertising, and to demonstrate how strong visual images convey meaning and appeal."
– School Library Journal (starred review)
"Beginning with the striking cover design―a red stop sign reading "GO"―this book challenges our assumptions about what we see and read. Kidd skillfully uses typography and illustration to demonstrate how graphic design informs the ways we make decisions that affect our lives. . . . An engaging introduction to a critical feature of our modern, design-rich environment."
– Kirkus Reviews
"A series of lucid, witty, and absorbing analyses of graphic design techniques . . . tomorrow’s designers will want to grab a pencil and get going."
– Publishers Weekly
“'GO: A Kidd's Guide To Graphic Design,' is pretty awesome.”
– The Huffington Post
“Kidd . . . uses his writing skill to make design theory more interesting and appealing for young artists. . . . A great choice for the high school student considering a design career and perhaps for older or younger readers as well.”
– Library Journal
“Chip Kidd is the world’s pre-eminent book-jacket designer. He’s done more than 1,000 of them, and built such a sterling reputation that several high-profile authors, including Oliver Sacks, have it in their contracts that Kidd design their book covers. The man has mastered graphic design. But that’s not to say his job is without challenges. One of the more recent ones? How to think like a 10-year-old. . . . Kidd faced that challenge to create his new book, Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design. The book covers the fundamentals of graphic design: form, typography, content and concept. . . . Kidd’s book features many examples of great design, including some of his own covers, to illustrate points. It’s as much a visual experience as an intellectual one, which is a measure of great graphic design. . . The ideas in Go are simple, whether it is playing with scale or how fonts convey meaning. And they are all put forward so clearly and with such visual flair that readers will walk away feeling like junior Milton Glasers. Many, actually, maybe not so junior. . . . Considering that it’s a Chip Kidd book, meaning fantastically designed, and that it covers a very popular subject, there’s a good chance that some adults will grab it for themselves.”
– The Globe and Mail
“Chip Kidd has been called the closest thing to a rock star in the design world. . . . In his new book, Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design, Kidd shares this rock star wisdom with the pubescent set, explaining the basics of typography, form, function, color, branding with playful narration and eye-popping visuals. . . . It’s written for young readers aged 10 and up, but its witty, direct approach makes it a perfect primer for older design rookies as well. And the design of the book itself is, of course, far too beautiful to be reserved just for children.”
–Co.Design, a Fast Company blog
“The design superstar gives us a crash course in the field; not surprisingly the book itself is extraordinarily designed!”
–Pop Candy, a USA Today blog
“A thing of beauty.”
–People Magazine
“In Go, Kidd―the renowned book-jacket designer―repeats the mantra “Form follows function” and adheres to it beautifully. The form of the book―a clever meld of text and images―follows its function, which is to convey the fundamentals of graphic design. Even if you’re not an aspiring graphic artist, you’ll learn the logic behind common symbols, like button arrangements on remote controls or the typefaces used in novels.”
–Entertainment Weekly
“At a time when arts programs in schools are under assault, [Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design] offers a beautiful distillation of the principles of great design and the careful decisions that go into making things look the way they do. The book is "for kids," but this grown-up was captivated too.”
―Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Disney Animation, in the Wall Street Journal
About the Author
Chip Kidd is an award-winning designer whose work for Knopf and other publishers helped create a revolution in book design. He is also the author of two novels, The Cheese Monkeys and The Learners, as well as the graphic novel Batman: Death by Design. He lectures frequently on design, and his 2012 TED talk was cited as one of the “funniest of the year.” Mr. Kidd divides his time among New York City; Stonington, Connecticut; and Palm Beach, Florida.
Product details
- Publisher : Workman Publishing; 10.2.2013 edition (April 16, 2014)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 076117219X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0761172192
- Lexile measure : 1100L
- Grade level : 2 - 3
- Item Weight : 1.9 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.75 x 11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #882,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,480 in Graphic Design Techniques
- #3,475 in Children's Art Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design
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About the author

Charles (Chip) Kidd (born September 12, 1964) is an American graphic designer, best known for his innovative book covers. Based in New York city, Kidd has become one of the most famous book cover designers to date.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Luigi Novi [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book wonderful, nicely presented, and entertaining. They describe it as interesting, inspiring, and a great primer for adults. Readers also mention it's easy to read, concise, and provides a nice how-to and history of graphic design. Additionally, they say it's a fantastic resource for kids and adults who are seriously interested in graphic design. In addition, they appreciate the information presented visually and concisely.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book wonderful, nicely presented, and fun to think about visual products. They say it's a great companion to Picture This: How Pictures Work by Molly Bang. Readers mention the concepts are clearly explained in a fun fashion and touch on all the basics.
"...It touches on all the basics: how to assemble and compose imagery, type and a little typography, color, expression - in short, all the things an..." Read more
"...resource for adults, because it reinforces the basics and reminds us that good design is nothing more or less than how each designer sees the world..." Read more
"...It's a great companion to Picture This: How Pictures Work by Molly Bang, and the Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams...." Read more
"...work and hearing about how it utilizes these ancient principles was invigorating and helpful to this perceptual painter...." Read more
Customers find the book interesting, entertaining, and inspiring. They say it has lots of interesting nuggets and explores the thought process behind Chip Kidd's work. Readers also mention the book has an exceptional intro.
"...It was required for web design and graphic design classes at AAU. Fun and way to read and understand. Kid-friendly. Will pass along to my kids." Read more
"Delightful. A fun, informative, and beautiful intro to graphic design...." Read more
"This is a great book and while an inspiring and entertaining read would be a great reference for any student or adult for presentations and projects...." Read more
"...Definitely not for professionals, but still entertaining to read." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read, concise, and instructive. They say it provides a nice how-to and history of graphic design. Readers also mention the book is well-written, informative, and delightful.
"...It's big, bold, well-organized, and well-suited to attention spans that might not last ten pages...." Read more
"...Kidd introduces the principles of graphic design in a manner that is simple yet elegant, without ever dumbing down...." Read more
"...Fun and way to read and understand. Kid-friendly. Will pass along to my kids." Read more
"...novel “The Cheese Monkeys” about art school and thought it was wonderfully written and hilarious...." Read more
Customers find the book fantastic for kids and adults who are seriously interested in graphic design. They say it's accessible to kids and a good primer for adults. Readers mention it would work for high school through adult readers. They also mention it's a fun, simple, and easy-to-read introduction to graphic design.
"...soon enough for me to enjoy as a kid, I think it’s also a great resource for adults, because it reinforces the basics and reminds us that good..." Read more
"...Fun and way to read and understand. Kid-friendly. Will pass along to my kids." Read more
"...Go is an excellent resource for high school and college students, or persons of any age interested in understanding more about effective and..." Read more
"...a review about this book that said it's a kids book but also a good primer for adults...." Read more
Customers find the information in the book informative, cross-curricular, and fun. They appreciate that the information is presented visually as well as written. Readers also mention they find the awareness of paradigms and the ways information is transmitted very helpful.
"Delightful. A fun, informative, and beautiful intro to graphic design...." Read more
"...(information is presented visually as well as written) and concisely...." Read more
"...in this wonderful introduction to graphic design principles and visual communication. Don't let its designation as a kids' book fool you, though...." Read more
"Awareness of paradigms, ways information is transmitted very helpful. Up is down, Red is Go......" Read more
Customers find the book worth picking up at this price point.
"...Worth the money and the time. A classic" Read more
"...process behind Chip Kidd's work, so it's definitely worth picking up at this price point." Read more
"...It is a really good start. My son really like it! It is worth it to buy it." Read more
"Love the book. Fast ship and reasonable price. Great book about design that is also fun and well designed." Read more
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The cover recommends this for ages 10 and up, but you know your young'un. A precocious and interested 9 could certainly handle it, but a kid might outgrow the level by their teens. For its target audience, I can't imagine a text much better than this. It's big, bold, well-organized, and well-suited to attention spans that might not last ten pages. I could imagine a few more exercises than the ones in the back, especially when the child reader has grownups who lack the knowledge to lead very far - but, if the parent can, then so much the better. I'll look forward to seeing a child's response to this one.
Sadly, I can’t even remember when I first heard the term “graphic design.” I’m pretty sure it wasn’t until I was a teenager. Probably not until high school when I had to start taking those career tests and figuring out how I was going to turn my creative interests into some kind of job with a recognizable title that could pay the bills (um…I’m still working on that part). But even without knowing the term, I loved graphic design from a very early age. While other kids played Monopoly, I designed and created my own board games. While other kids played house, I played travel agent and created my own brochures. While other kids played video games, I played with every single font on my dad’s computer.
Chip Kidd, book design wizard, would have absolutely wowed grade school me. If I had read his smart and fun primer on graphic design when I was a kid, I would have felt like I’d found my mother ship—or at least the manual. Right from the beginning, you know you are going to have fun: the cover features a large red octagon, but instead of the word “STOP,” which is what you’d expect, it has the word “GO,” which is the book’s title. Also, the author playfully uses the spelling of his last name for the subtitle: “A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design.”
What is so fantastic about this book is that Kidd introduces the principles of graphic design in a manner that is simple yet elegant, without ever dumbing down. When explaining how graphic design is different from other types of design, such as architecture, fashion, or industrial design, he says, “graphic design is purely a head trip, from your eyes to your mind.”
And what a head trip he takes his readers on! Every spread that introduces a design principle is itself artful design. Kidd teaches by example, not only using images from his own work and that of other graphic designers, but also using the text of his explanations as part of the visual lesson. On the page that explains inversion, the word “inversion” is printed upside down. However, as can be expected from his inversion of the “STOP” sign on the cover, Kidd also demonstrates the importance of turning familiar concepts upside down in the name of creativity. On a page that discusses the concept of big and small, the word “big” appears in a minuscule type size smaller than the body text while the word “small” is so large it stretches from margin to margin like an attention-grabbing headline.
Best of all, at the end of the book, Kidd encourages his readers to dive into graphic design with several hands-on projects. “Whatever you do, don’t…” he says, “STOP,” with the word “STOP” in a green light circle. Although GO didn’t come out soon enough for me to enjoy as a kid, I think it’s also a great resource for adults, because it reinforces the basics and reminds us that good design is nothing more or less than how each designer sees the world from his or her unique perspective.
Oh, and his examples are spectacular.
Now graphic designers and oil painters inhabit (at least in my mind) different worlds - Different materials, different intentions, different effects. Perhaps that’s what made this box so compelling to me. Every page is an illustrated example of a visual affect or design principle. Seeing chips amazing work and hearing about how it utilizes these ancient principles was invigorating and helpful to this perceptual painter. I recommend this to anyone interested in the visual arts or publishing. Thank you Chip!
Now graphic designers and oil painters inhabit (at least in my mind) different worlds - Different materials, different intentions, different effects. Perhaps that’s what made this box so compelling to me. Every page is an illustrated example of a visual affect or design principle. Seeing chips amazing work and hearing about how it utilizes these ancient principles was invigorating and helpful to this perceptual painter. I recommend this to anyone interested in the visual arts or publishing. Thank you Chip!





