Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The Art Book for Children by Gilda Williams Ruggi presents classic and contemporary works in a fun way that makes art accessible. Each spread or two in the oversize, paper-over-board book introduces a different artist and invites kids to think about the works in unconventional ways. For Cindy Sherman's tweaked self-portraits (in which she poses in staged photographs), for instance, the text asks, "If you dress up, do you just change your clothes and paint your face... or do you also change the way you behave?" (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Large color reproductions expose readers to a wide variety of art, from the best-known paintings of the 14th and 15th centuries to contemporary photographs and "wrap" art. European, Asian, and American art is included in the more than 30 discussed works. Illustrations are arranged to fill single pages, spreads, and small squares. The text, at times calligraphic, becomes part of the art as it invites viewers to take more than a cursory look. Questions encourage readers to observe details, while statements of opinion help to provoke new thoughts and elicit emotional responses to the pieces. Because the book is not arranged by chronology, medium, or style, readers have the option to skip around, to pick and choose the works to study-much like visiting favorite paintings in a museum. A concluding section gives the size, location, and dates of the works and the artists' birth and death dates. The book will stimulate discussion and a higher level of appreciation of art.-Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Like its popular coffee-table counterpart for adults, this is an eclectic, engaging introduction to art history. With numerous questions that encourage children to think about art without imposing answers or limiting interpretations, the author subtly introduces artistic concepts and critical thinking. The handsome design includes numerous full-page reproductions as well as details illustrating particular points. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
