Get into art Places Places /

Using the same approachable format as Get Into Art: Animals (2013), Brooks focuses this volume on places. Profiling some recognizable paintings, such as Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles, and some lesser-known works, such as an Aboriginal dot painting from Australia, Brooks playfully introduces kids to art portraying places of many kinds and in many styles. Each two-page spread features a gorgeously reproduced painting and an informative sidebar that includes a brief profile of the artist and a helpful description of the painting that points out notable details. That sidebar, moreover, flips out to reveal a fun project emphasizing a component of the painting. One of Hokusai's iconic Mount Fuji prints, for example, is paired with a block printing exercise, while the activity linked to Kandinsky's Winter Landscape challenges young artists to make a snowy scene without using white. Brooks' art projects provide plenty of guidance while leaving room for creative play, and engaging questions encourage kids to experiment on their own. This lively survey is a surefire way to get kids excited about art.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2014 Booklist