The Art Bookshelf
MWBOOKREVW
Famous Artists: Picasso
Antony Mason
Barron's
0-8120-9175-2 $5.95
Kids receive strong introductions to artists through the Famous Artists
series: here examples from Picasso's early blue and rose period and
discussions of his techniques and philosophies permeate an excellent
illustrated introduction for kids in grades 3-5.
Thomson Learning
Two new to this series for kids in grades 6-10 ($16.95 Each) blends
excellent-quality color illustrations with explorations of artistic style
and art evolution. Impressionism by Judy Martin focusses on the evolution
of the Impressionist style and the artists who fostered it, introducing
key paintings and partners and examining the styles and approaches which
were unique to Impressionist works. Pauline Ridley's Modern Art examines
the social, historical and artistic trends which led to the evolution of
the modern art style, considering how changes in materials, designs, and
technology fostered new approaches to art. Both are excellent
introductions which probe the past, present and contributions of these
unique styles.
HENRI DE TOULOUSE-LAUTREC by Jennifer Fisher Bryant (Chelsea House,
$18.95) presents the French painter and lithographer's work detailing the
nightlife of Paris. Lautrec was crippled as a child and spent his recovery
time drawing familiar objects. He studied art in Paris and developed his
own painting style later, creating realistic presentations such as the
Paris art community had never seen.
Chelsea House's 'Art for Children' series includes volumes on THE
IMPRESSIONISTS, MATISSE, THE RENAISSANCE, ROUSSEAU STILL VOYAGES, BRUEGHEL
and GAUGUIN, using children to introduce the various lives of artists and
exploring the works of major artists. These first-person introductions to
different lives succeeds in placing each painter and era in historical
perspective, blending biography, art history and plenty of
excellent-quality color reproductions of art. Highly recommended as an
introductory set for elementary-level kids, this creates an excellent
contrast between artists and styles.
Sister Wendy Beckett's A CHILD'S BOOK OF PRAYER IN ART (Dorling
Kindersley, $12.95) provides an unusual blended focus in a nun's
appreciation for the art world. What she has accomplished in her series
and book for adults is here edited for a child's attention, using the
basic Beckett formula of selecting well-known paintings which appeal to
children, and which illustrate life values. Prayers accompany every
painting in this fine introduction to religion and art.
Midwest Book Review
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, West Coast Representative
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575
608-835-7937
mwboo...@aol.com
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of literacy and promotion of community library useage. All MBR reviewers
are volunteers. No funding is accepted from any publisher or author. All
books recieving our recommendation are available through the local public
library, either directly or through the inter-library loan service.