Review by Booklist Review
Creating animation need not be a complex process reliant on expensive technology and reserved for professionals. Drawing on his own experience as a freelance animator, Bishop-Stephens identifies 10 foundational skills that are easily mastered by the budding young artist. Both two- and three-dimensional moving images can be created using these broadly explained procedures. Each method is described in enough detail to help a novice animator, but also provides suggestions for incorporating readers' own artistic vision. Plotting a storyboard, adding special effects, filming, and editing are the basic steps that are the focus of the process. Straightforward directions are bolstered by full-color illustrations that provide clear tips and tricks. The methods are flexible enough to only require a basic computing device and readily available free editing software. Merging STEM themes with creative expression, this is a quality how-to manual that will allow readers to hone valuable digital skills while enjoying a challenging hobby.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this spiral-bound addition to the Super Skills series, Bishop-Stephens explores the basics of animation through 10 lessons. Each introduces a distinct skill, such as using the technique of pixilation, creating stop-motion scenes (Bishop-Stephens suggests animating toys and clay characters), incorporating special effects, and fine-tuning one's animations through editing software. Detailed instructions guide readers through projects such as making a superhero puppet and flying rig, accompanied by digital illustrations and explanations of common terminology. Using an encouraging tone ("While you're learning, don't worry about creating a story or set. Just have fun experimenting with making objects come to life"), Bishop-Stephens provides readers with the fundamental tools to explore their own cinematic visions. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-6-This guide to animation tackles flip-books, pixelation, Claymation, special effects, and more. For each skill, the author describes several activities to try and presents a variety of tips. The volume is well organized and packed with information, and the design is colorful, with lots of illustrations to supplement the text. The spiral binding is covered to prevent it from snagging or scraping other books. Back matter includes a list of websites where kids can find examples of different types of animation or tools they can use. Although the author does not provide suggestions on specific apps for capturing animation, he does offer some guidelines on what features to look for. VERDICT A solid resource for those interested in making student films.-Ashley Larsen, Pacifica Libraries, CA © Copyright 2016. 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.
