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Shirley's Book Review Archive |
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Many children today face a school day filled with preparing for tests, or taking tests or evaluating the results of a test. The result is there is little time for experiencing the fine arts and having fun! Therefore, I am constantly looking for books that give children a positive experience with art and at the same time give an opportunity for fun.
While searching in a local children's book shop last summer, I found the perfect book that provides a rich experience with art and is a lot of fun to use. The book is Unlikely Pairs: Fun with Famous Works of Art" by Bob Raczka, and it is appropriate for all ages.
When you visit a museum, the art is usually arranged in logical order such as all
impressionist works or works by a certain artist are placed together. But you are in for a wonderful surprise when you open Raczka's book and find a painting by Keith Haring done in 1988 opposite a painting by Jan Vermeer done in 1672. Now the fun begins as you examine each painting and discover why they do make a most appropriate pair! And the longer you look, the more you see as is always the case with interesting art. At the back of the book Raczka includes interesting information about each of the artists whose paintings are featured.
As a teacher, it is important for me to find books that meet the many needs of my students and help them to think creatively and enjoy learning. This is just such a book as it exposes children to a wide variety of artists and it stimulates creative thinking. And maybe most important of all, children will discover how enjoyable learning about art can be! |
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Being a lover of children's books, I feel like celebrating when I discover a wonderful new book. But when I found a whole series of wonderful books, it was like finding a valuable treasure. And the treasure I am referring to are the books written and illustrated by Mike Venezia. First, he wrote 45 books in an excellent series called "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists," and his latest project is a series of 14 books called "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers."
Now I must admit I
have not read all 59 books, but I have read enough of them to be excited about recommending Venezia's treasures to children and their parents. The first book I read in the composer series was a book about George Gershwin, but the series includes composers as varied as the Beatles, Bach and Beethoven. Venezia as both author and illustrator uses a combination of zany
cartoons, art reproductions and historical photos to provide a rich background of information about each composer. Interesting facts about the composer's childhood are presented so that children can easily relate to the composer's life. Also included are details of what motivated Gershwin to compose his music. He heard music in the sounds of city life around him and some of his songs copy those sounds.
Finally, I think the key component for the success of Venezia's books is his ability to convey his love of music and art in such a creative way that all who read his books will learn so much and have fun while they are learning. And what better way to prepare for a concert or a visit to an art museum than to read about the artists and composers first. |
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With the baseball season fast approaching, I would like to recommend The Bat Boy and His Violin, written by Gavin Curtis and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Whether your interest is in baseball or music, this inspirational book will be enjoyed by all who read it.
However, this book is much more than a baseball book with a little music added! It is a story about a period in baseball history (1948) when many African American players are leaving the Negro Leagues to play with "white teams." The book focuses on the relationship between Reginald, a young boy who loves to play his violin, and his father, who loves baseball and wants his son to love it too. Soon Reginald is serving as the bat boy on his father's team, the worst team in the Negro National League. A surprising thing happens when Reginald brings his violin and begins to play it during the games.
The book presents a period of racial discrimination in our country's history which should be remembered so that it can never be repeated. Curtis writes about the painful experiences in a way that children can understand. And E. B. Lewis illustrates the book using water color paintings which help to create the mood for the powerful themes of the story.
Once again, the love of music provides the inspiration which will give hope and encouragement to all who read this book. |
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Zin! Zin! A Violin
by Lloyd Moss
Research has long shown that music education can benefit the young child in many ways. But in recent years art and music classes have been cut in schools across our country.
Therefore, it seems that now is the time for parents and educators to look for new and creative ways to provide musical experiences for our children.
I would like to recommend Lloyd Moss's book, Zin! Zin! A Violin, as a wonderful introduction to the world of classical music. The author uses adult musical terminology such as solo, duo, trio, but he presents the terms in a way that children will understand. Also, Moss uses rhyming couplets on every page which produces a rhythm of the language that children will understand.
The illustrator, Marjorie Priceman, won a Caldecott Honor Award for her whimsical illustrations. Each musician pictured in the book resembles the instrument that he or she plays, such as the tall, slender clarinetist and the chubby French horn player.
Children and parents alike will have fun with this book as they notice the subplots of the cats, a mouse and a dog on each page. And when the final page appears, an almost guaranteed response will be shouts of
"Encore! Encore! Let's read it again!" |
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The Dot
by Peter H. Reynolds
I love books that emphasize the creative talents of children, and The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is one of my favorites. I believe that within every child is so much creative possibility.
However, many children lose the belief that they can create, and they need encouragement to believe in themselves again.
The Dot is a story of a little girl who thinks she can not draw, and therefore she leaves her paper empty in art class. But through subtle
encouragement from her teacher, she begins by making a dot. With each page the child is more creative, and she discovers that she really is an artist. Not only does she create, but she inspires her friend to find his creative talent too.
I believe that whether you are a child or an adult, this book will inspire you to discover your creative spirit. Remember, everyone can make a dot! |
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ART DOG
by Thacher Hurd
Has the latest Spiderman movie created a new interest in super heroes in your family? Then I have a wonderful book to recommend called "Art Dog" by Thacher Hurd. It is a story of Arthur, a dog who is a guard at the Dogopolis Museum of Art during the day. But something mysterious happens to Arthur when the moon is full, and he becomes ART DOG, a very artistic super hero!! Join the super fun as he fights crime and uses art to win over the heart of every child who has dreams of being a super artist.
Thacher Hurd, the author and illustrator, has written many books for children, but I believe this is one of his most creative. His pictures of works done by Vincent Van Dog and Pablo Poodle are guaranteed to spark an interest in the real artists. Get your paint brushes ready as this book will motivate you to create your own masterpieces.
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WHEN PIGASSO MET MOOTISSE
by Nina Laden
This favorite of mine details the real rivalry and mutual admiration between the painters Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, but made
into a fun story for young kids with the principal characters taking on the forms of a pig and a cow. Even for those who don't know the art history behind this story, it's an entertaining tale, and the playful illustrations add to the fun. |
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