A Child's Introduction to Art: The World's Greatest Paintings and Sculptures
(Child's Introduction)

Gr 4-8--This attractive, child-friendly primer brings many of Western civilization's major players from the Middle Ages to the present day to entertaining life. Artists' birth and death dates, cartoon portraits, and very brief biographies are provided, while representative examples of their works appear on opposite pages. Easy and engaging themed activities and quirky facts about some of the artists help make this title particularly appealing to young readers, though no source notes or bibliography are included. Informative essays are interspersed throughout, including an introduction about the meaning of art and its ancient origins and a final note about the contemporary scene. Of necessity, an anthology must omit some major figures, and only one woman, one non-European, and one African American are included. Also, the small font may discourage younger readers. Still, the colorful reproductions are quite well known, explanatory notes with arrows highlight salient details in the artworks, and the museums in which they are housed are noted. Often, quotes from the artists themselves are used, which shed light on their craft. This title will be useful for students in art classes or for art history units.--Carol Goldman, Queens Library, NY

This engrossing primer (part of the Child's Intro series) invites readers to practice skills of observation and interpretation while looking at well-known works of art. Alexander offers brief biographical information about 35 featured artists and descriptions of their styles and techniques, while intermittent sections explore such concepts as color and perspective. Alexander helps personalize the artwork through thought-provoking insights; for Goya's The Third of May, 1808, she notes, "Goya didn't show the faces of the men in the firing squad. In their military uniforms, they are faceless evil." Art activities and spot illustrations are peppered throughout, and an envelope includes b&w images for readers to color. Ages 9-12. (May)