The Gold Toilet and a Very Famous Banana: The True Story of the World's Wildest Art Heist

The laugh-out-loud tale of how one of today’s most famous artists turned the art world on its head, told in a graphic novel-style picture book

‘Warning: This book may turn bananas into masterpieces.’ – Maurizio Cattelan

Think the art world is stuffy, boring, or inaccessible? Think again! The Gold Toilet and a Very Famous Banana transforms the extraordinary true story of artist Maurizio Cattelan into a hilarious, page-turning introduction to contemporary art.

Known as the prankster of the art world, Cattelan pushes the boundaries of what art can be. This witty picture book invites young readers to consider: Can an ordinary banana taped to a gallery wall be a multimillion-dollar masterpiece? What about an 18-karat gold toilet? And is it still art if it’s eaten, in a bathroom, or even … stolen?

Because that’s exactly what happened. Cattelan’s fully functioning gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019 – and the artwork itself has never been recovered.

Combining humor, fun facts, an unsolved mystery, and art history in one great-looking book, The Gold Toilet and a Very Famous Banana is the perfect read for any creative kid, and anyone who has ever wondered, 'But is that really art?'

• Humor-first approach to non-fiction: Brimming with wit, playfulness, and a touch of mystery
• Art that breaks all ‘the rules’: Reveals how wacky, funny, and FUN art can be!
• Graphic novel appeal: Speech bubbles, panels, and playful illustrations make this a fun page-turner for young readers
• A world-famous artist and viral cultural phenomenon: Maurizio Cattelan is one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists, known for provocative, humorous works including Comedian – the viral banana taped to a wall – and America, his 18-karat-gold toilet. His work has been exhibited at major museums and institutions around the world, including MoMA and Tate Modern.

‘What I love most is that this book never talks down to children. It trusts them. It reminds us that the biggest ideas can wear the smallest clothes, and that sometimes a banana or a golden toilet is all you need to understand art.’ – Maurizio Cattelan

For ages 4-6 years

• Format: Hardback
• Dimensions: 251mm x 198mm
• Pages: 40
• Brand: Phaidon
• ISBN: 9781837294817