Review by Booklist Review
In collaboration with New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the What the Artist Saw series (2 new titles) blends artist biographies with a sampling of their works from the MMA collection. In each biography, straightforward text gives an overview of the artist's life, including his or her time period, major influences, evolution as an artist, and impact on the art world. The Met Faith Ringgold emphasizes the Black artist's upbringing in Harlem, the racism and sexism she experienced throughout her life, and how she incorporated the Civil Rights movement, travels to Africa, and her childhood experiences into prints, fabric art, and activism. References to her Caldecott Honor Book, Tar Beach, make this title a good companion to her picture books. Accompanied by illustrations in the style of the artist, the books conclude with a mini gallery of key artwork housed in the MMA and related activities. Guided questions and prompts throughout, such as "Try copying the work of an artist you admire," will either distract or inspire readers. This colorful series with the artists' own masterpieces gives children an inviting introduction to diversity in fine art.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
