This book will make you an artist

Gr 2--5--Practice! Practice! Practice! To fully ignite the creative fire and flare, warm up first by creating zigzag pencil lines and free-flowing loop-the-loops, followed by inspiration from 25 of the world's best-known artists in this colorful, historically referenced book. Readers travel through time from ancient cave art into modern exhibitions of the 20th century, featuring the masters, with plenty of ideas offered to create their own artistic works. Inspirational original designs include fiber art-wrapped string sculptures by Judith Scott, color wash over wax like that used by Emily Kame Kngwarreye to create her beautiful batik fabrics, or painted polka dot pumpkins by artist Yayoi Kusama. Whatever one's preference for creating or exploring, author and art historian Millington has delivered a text jam-packed with fact-filled and unique art activities. Surrey is adept at her craft, providing plenty of visual diversity with brightly colored drawings, all pleasing to the eye; they will have any blossoming young artist eager to dive right in. VERDICT A splendid book filled with engaging art history references and an abundance of imaginative activities to awaken and nurture the reader's artist within.--Lyn Smith

From cave handprints and Roman mosaic floors to Yayoi Kusama's polka-dot pumpkin, works sure to inspire burgeoning artists. This survey of selected artists across the globe and throughout history introduces young readers to various styles, media, and techniques. Millington starts by discussing what artists do, where they work, and what tools and materials they need. Next, the author briefly profiles more than 20 artists, focusing on their art and offering clear instructions for making similar creations. Racially diverse children, several of whom use wheelchairs, are depicted making vibrant self-portraits like Frida Kahlo's and pop art--style prints like Andy Warhol's. Readers get fascinating glimpses into artists such as Judith Scott, who was deaf and had Down syndrome; after being released from an institution by her twin sister, she blossomed into a fiber artist. Ukrainian artist Janet Sobel pioneered drip painting; Hugo Ball, the German founder of Dadaism, gave unusual poetry recitations; Moses Williams, enslaved as a youth, became a renowned silhouette-maker. Famous names such as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso are here, but so are more recent and potentially unfamiliar artists, including South African muralist Esther Mahlangu and Emily Kame Kngwarreye, an Aboriginal artist known for her batiks. Detailed, collagelike illustrations using flat, cut-out shapes and vibrant colors honor these people's art without attempting to compete with it. Will definitely boost aspirants' creative output. (glossary) (Illustrated nonfiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.