Ralph Masiello's bug drawing book

Gr 1-4-Would-be artists and entomologists will appreciate this book, which proposes that anyone can draw by breaking items into their basic shapes. From the ant to the stink bug, Masiello offers methods for sketching insects commonly found in North America. Each rendering begins with a simple shape delineated in red. As the drawing progresses, previous lines appear in black ink, while step-by-step changes and enhancements are in red. A boxed section shows optional detailed refinements that can be added to each image. The right-hand side of each spread contains a large, finished picture of the insect colored with a specified medium: marker, crayon, colored pencil, etc. Instructions for a caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly (a side view as well as a top view) provide help in understanding their life cycles. The resultant pictures are not strictly realistic, but they are not anthropomorphized cartoons, either. The book ends with an invitation to create imaginary insects. Children will find the simple shapes and coloration satisfying. Featuring pictures that are less complex than those in Lee J. Ames's "Draw 50..." series (Broadway), Masiello's title is a good choice for libraries needing easy how-to-draw materials.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Using basic shapes, Masiello shows how to draw common insects including beetles, butterflies, and grasshoppers. He includes tips on making the insects look realistic and adding background elements such as spider webs and flowers. Using different media, including crayons, markers, and watercolors in his examples, this book encourages readers to experiment on their own. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.