Reviews (11)

a good starting point
This is a very well written and illustrated story about a young boy who encounters Vincent Van Gogh and befriends him.It is based on a true story.While it is well done and my children love the story, I was a little bit disappointed that it included only imitations of Van Gogh's paintings and not actual pictures of them.I felt that even though there is a sad element to this story, the author did an excellent job of making it suitable even for small children, and sparks their interest in learning more about his life and works.We will be using this book this year for our homeschooled kindergartner and preschooler, and I am sure that this will be a great starting point for further learning and discussions. I give this book four stars and highly recommend it.

bringing van gogh to life
i used this book to teach an art project to pre-schoolers and it was perfect! they enjoyed the story very much and it made the portraits of Camille's family, which they had already seen in other lessons, come to life and at the end when they see the picture of "14 sunflowers" they became excited about creating their own sunflowers out of fimo clay. A beautiful book and a well written story.

Lovely and interest-provoking
This is simply one of the best books I ever got my daughter. When she was about 1-1/2 years old, we took her to a Van Gogh exhibition and she stared, absolutely transfixed, at "Wheat Field with Crows." So when I saw this book, it seemed like she would really enjoy it, and she has. Note that it is not an entirely happy story, true to Van Gogh's life, so it is maybe not for tiny kids. But even recomposed by Anholt, the paintings are still amazingly vivid and interesting, and led us on a web search to find more (http://www.vangoghgallery.com/ is the BEST spot!). If I could only have a few books to read to my daughter for the rest of her childhood, this would be on my list, and hers as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1853-1890    2. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    3. Artists    4. Biographical - European    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Fiction    8. France    9. Friendship    10. General    11. Gogh, Vincent van,    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Nature & the Natural World - General    14. Preschool Picture Story Books    15. Gogh, Vincent van    16. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture   

Subjects:  1. Art - General    2. Children's Books/All Ages    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Concepts - General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / General   

Reviews (3)

Not for a five year old
I bought this book for my five year old boy.Based on the description, it sounded age appropriate.However, it was a little advanced for him so we returned it.Maybe better for eight and up.

Incredibly simple to learn, no tears
Some art books can make kids cry in frustration with, "I don't get it, I can't do it". I have never had that problem with books from this artist, kids just love these!Ed Emberly has made some wonderful books for kids and grown-ups of any age that have no drawing skills, but want to learn a simple way. His books are the easiest books to get you started if you have no previous drawing skills. He doesn't talk down to you, he doesn't talk at all but uses his step by step method for you to follow. As a result, you can use these books for kids that have language issues. He starts with a step by step illustrated lesson to draw one simple item. First a simple straight line here, then insert a circle then, then another line, step by step along the way and before you know it you have a completed drawing that you can be really proud of. I teach Cub Scouts and this artist makes the perfect book for teaching a class when you are a volunteer yourself that is not an art pro.
Great For Your Older Artist
This is a book that uses stick figures and basic shapes to help children learn to draw more complicated pictures. This is an interactive book to teach drawing. Every little artist will enjoy the simple step-by-step drawings and colorful illustrations that Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Trucks and Trains contains. Smaller children will learn new words while their older siblings can use the book to learn how to draw more complicated pictures than just stick figures. However, it is somewhat difficult for the four-year-old child. An age recommendation on the book itself would make buying the book a little easier for parents and gift-giving relatives.
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Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's 4-8 - Art & Art Instruction    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Emberley, Ed    7. Juvenile Fine Arts    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    10. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / Drawing   

Reviews (3)

Another great book from Greg Tang!
Greg Tang encourages his audience to develop number sense in a lively way. With the help of this and his other books, you can encourage your students to develop a more fluid approach to math. I have used many of his books in my classroom, and find it is best to pre-teach his way of combining number sets before reading the book aloud (just a short lesson).
Math and Art - What A Great Combo!
I love this book and have shared it with colleagues!What a great idea to combine math and art, and what a great way to tackle problem solving which is not always a favourite with kids!For teachers, it helps us cover two subject areas at the same time which we greatly appreciate.When I saw the cover of this book, I was instantly intrigued.I liked the fact that it's suitable for all age groups -- older students may appreciate the art history aspect more, but the rhymes appeal to all ages.The illustrations jump out, are appealing and make math more interesting.When I showed this book to some of my students, one instantly said that it was "neat" because everyone came up with a different way of getting the answer yet everyone was right, to which I responded with a delighted smile!

Wonderful math/art connection
Bravo, Greg Tang has done it once again!This wonderful book is full of authentic masterpieces which Tang recreates to get us looking at the art in a "math kind of way!"This book is super for all elementary levels, kindergarten through grade five.The focus is on addition, and the many ways we can group numbers to get to a given sum.We love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - History    2. Art appreciation    3. Art in mathematical education    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Counting    7. Juvenile Fine Arts    8. Juvenile Mathematics    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Mathematics - General    12. Set theory    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Mathematics / General   

Reviews (4)

Wonderful stuff!!
My cousin had the Klutz Window Art book and paint set and I tried it and loved it right away.If you have the Window Art book, you HAVE to get the deluxe refill set!There are several new colors and two black outline paints.It is easy to use and dries well (although it does take about 24 hours to dry).Great rainy day project!If you have kids that like art projects or you love art projects yourself, you have to try this product!

Worth it, for a fanatic
If you only think window art is 'kinda neat', you probably don't need this refill set.There are a few more colors -- the white and clear make some really pretty Tiffany glass style effects possible, for those interested in spending the extra time -- but really there isn't that much more here than you'll find with your standard set. Klutz does it again!
My 2 children love the Klutz books.The window painting book is their favorite and this refill kit is great!It comes with several colors and the big bottles of black that you need for the outlining.My daughter loved the glittery paints.The kid went through the paints that came with the book in just a few days - their windows are covered with clings, and this refill kit was just what we needed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Art - General    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Leisure Interests, Hobbies & Sport   

Reviews (2)

A Delight
This books is a delight for anyone who has experimented with Origami and knows its frustractions and rewards.Basic orgigami subjects are captured through the combination engaging poems and illustrations (each enhancing the enjoyment of the other).This book made our family smile over and over again! My favorite captures a moment of oragami uncertainty...
Inspiring and Entertaining
Fold Me a Poem is a wonderful example of a book being more than the sum of its parts. Inside the covers of this stunning creation, the poems and illustrations meld to create a picture book that is both inspiring and entertaining.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children's 4-8 - Poetry / Plays    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Poetry    8. Origami    9. Poetry    10. Poetry - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture   

Reviews (23)

Changed my life
This was quite simply the greatest book I remember from my childhood.I went through two hardcover copies of Make a World as a child because I used it daily and it got worn and tattered.I am now in my early 30s, and am a licensed architect at one of the world's top architecture firms.I credit this book for instilling in me a deep love of drawing.I realize now that the title of this book is really a profound dictum for my chosen career: it is my job as an architect not just to draw a building, but to literally make a world within a building.Thank you Ed Emberley!

Great intro to drawing
My kids (ages 7 and 5) have loved this book.They have learned to follow the linear instructions and are so impressed with their ability to create.We also purchased Ed Emberly's "Drawing Book of Animals".Both are great for young learners.

Family Fun
Our whole family loves this book. It is nice because it is simple enough for a four year old and can evolve into making your own world at any age. The drawings are neat and very clear about the steps. I promise you won't be sorry. Get a big peice of paper and have the whole family join in on making their own world! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Drawing    5. Emberley, Ed    6. Juvenile Fine Arts    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Technique    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / Drawing    11. Picture books   

Reviews (5)

Helped turn mynon-artist into a VanGogh!
This product, and the others like it "I Can Draw Animals" and "I Can Draw People" are incredible! Just a year ago, I was able to pick my son's artwork out of his entire class: It was the unfinished or poorly executed one. Then, he started bringing some wonderful drawings home from Kindergarten. I asked him who drew them, and he said he did. I was shocked. Then, I found out his teacher has this series of books. The teacher told me that my son eagerly thumbed through the books when given a drawing assignment for ways to construct characters. My son - the one who was drawing stick figures a few short months ago! I quickly ordered the entire series and now we have a "super silly art gallery" in our home. He loves to draw now. I realized that he just didn't know how to get started before. He even lent the books to his older cousin that needed to draw a wizard for a school project. Now that he's more skilled, he is able to draw great things even without referencing the books. I am amazed and so very pleased.

Great for elementary school
I just got through my first year of teaching and this book was really fun for some of my kids who lack confidence in drawing. They were able to have great success with the ideas in this book.

A Must Have!
This book is absolutely fabulous!My daughter received it as a gift for her 4th birthday.She would sit and draw every picture.She is now 6 and still loves it!This book is so easy for any child to use.The step by step detailed pictures show the child how to draw the picture from start to finish. It is not like some books that skip steps.This outlines every single step, your little one will not be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Drawing    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Technique   

Editorial Review

With little more than some ink, paper, and your own fingers, you canbecome an artist! Caldecott recipient Ed Emberley, author of Read more

Reviews (9)

A hit!
I used samples made from the book for a kid's craft at our library.The kid's and myself had a lot of fun.

Neat Idea for a Gift
I bought this for my niece's 5th birthday along with about 10 different colors of kid's washable stamp pads (from an education store and from a craft store). It is my understanding that some of the stamp pads used for "stamping" take awhile to dry and are permanent (not a good combo for kids--I could see them on the clothes and smudged across the paper) GET THE KIDS THE QUICK DRY WASHABLE KIND OF INK! Hampton Art made the kind I purchased. They also make a "smelly" version. Grape, bubble gum, etc. Though this would be a hit, I had a budget. Anyway, you want different colors of ink to make all of the different, fun characters. I put the pads in a box with a black liquid ink pen. She seemed very interested. Her mom thought it was neat and her other aunt who is a first grade teacher looked it over and asked where she could get one for her class. I wish I had this book when I was a kid. Very cool. I would say that this book could be for all ages but is most appropriate for elementary age children and younger.

Fun and Easy
My kids have had a ball with these.Only thing...be sure you spend the extra $ for kids washable stamp pads! I used regular cheapo dollar stamp pads....uh uh.Won't wash off very easy!
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Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Drawing    6. Emberley, Ed    7. Fingerprints in art    8. Juvenile Fine Arts    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Technique    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / Drawing   

Reviews (11)

Art Fraud Detective
I bought this book for my very bright 10 year old granddaughter's birthday. My friend who is a librarian had bought it for her 12 year old niece and said she loved it and has asked if there are anymore in the series which there are. My daughter taped the answer pages together so she couldn't look at the answers and says that my granddaughter can't put it down. She loves it and I am willing to bet she will ask for the next in the series when she finishes Art Fraud Detective. This book is a great way to foster interest in art and artists.

Art with a twist
This book is a great way to familiarize children (and adults) with some of the greatest artists in history.Searching for clues as to whether or not each masterpiece is a fraud causes one to closely study the pieces in great detail.My daughters love looking at the art and doing the detective work.They usually want to go through several pieces each time we pull this book out.I highly recommend it to people of all ages!

Mystery lovers will love this book
My seven-year-old son says that he wished it were more entertaining.I guess I feel somewhat disappointed that he races through to detect clues to determine the frauds without reading the artist write-ups.But it's a good introduction to art history and appreciation and it certainly captivates those who love to read mysteries. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Art - General    3. Art - History    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Forgeries    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Painting    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Art, fine art, decorative arts    13. Interactive & activity books & packs    14. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture   

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Art - Drawing    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fairies in art    6. Handicraft    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Mermaids in art   

Editorial Review

"When I was twelve years old, I knew what I wanted--to be an artist." So begins Read more

Reviews (9)

Contains many good life lessons.....
As other reviews of this book mention, this is a tribute to the artist Georgia O'Keeffe.However, it is more than this because it celebrates the virtues of individuality, following one's bliss and sharing one's vision.It also punctuates the important value of celebrating life and purusing it with openness, curiosity and passion.
A Biography of Georgia O'Keefe for Young Children
I use this book in my early elementary art classes to introduce this American artist, and to follow her style to create a landscape picture.The book is easily understood by young students (Kindergarten) and gives a good general picture of the life of the artist.Some examples of her work are pictured, but they are small.The story does a good job of conveying the independent attitude of the artist and her unusual work.

my name is georgia: A portrait by Jeanette Winter
I began to read this to my kindergarten classes.It kept their attention for the most part.I will not use it for my 3rd through 7th.I will use it for my 1st and maybe 2nd.The illustrations are very nice and it does give the little ones an idea of who OKeefe was like at their age. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1887-1986    2. Art    3. Artists    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography - Art    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    7. Children: Grades 3-4    8. Individual Artist    9. Juvenile literature    10. O'Keeffe, Georgia,    11. United States    12. Women    13. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture    14. O'Keeffe, Georgia   

Reviews (11)

One of my favorites to read
The paintings/illustrations in this book are classic Eric Carle and are actually on a bigger scale than many of his books.They are glorious and beatiful and in his completely unique style.
10 Stars for Eric Carle
This book is well written and well illustrated. I feel sorry for the children who will be steered away from this story because of closemindedness. The adults seem to really be the ones who are uncomfortable with the illustrations.
A nice new spin on the religious creation stories
I'm not a huge fan of Eric Carle's work, nor of religiously-themed books written for small children... But this charming, colorful (and refreshingly nondenominational) 1992 picture book strikes a nice balance, and is one of Carle's simplest, most visually appealing children's books.In an interesting twist on the creation story, Carle casts the god-figure as an artist, first as an infant, asked to draw a star, then as a lad swiftly maturing into a teen, a young man, and finally into a wizened, flowing-beard style diety, who flies away into the heavens with the very stars he created, after having drawn man, woman, and the world they inhabit.One aspect of the book -- that someone was there to ask "The Artist" to draw all these things -- raises some interesting theological questions, but the central message of celebrating art and the world around is, is uncomplicated and welcome.Worth checking out, as long as you're not militantly agnostic or atheistic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Drawing    5. Fiction    6. Nature & the Natural World - General    7. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture   

Editorial Review

This is a charming exercise in autobiography (one of several) by thegreat author-illustrator Tomie dePaola. "Tommy" is consumed with a passion for drawing. Although encouraged by his family, who treat his pictures with respect and decorate their houses and workplaces with them, he encounters misunderstanding and frustration at school. Finally, an art teacher gives him a chance to do his own thing. Read more

Reviews (11)

ONE OF MY FAVORITES - KIDS LOVE IT.
If you ever observe a class of youn students, when given free time, you will find that a great number of them choose to draw, some good, some not so good, but all great.This book has great appeal to these children.I have to admit to being a big dePaola fan, feeling he isone of the best out there and this work, which is obviously at least semi-autobiographical is truely inspiational.It is a story of a young lad who likes to draw, love art and art work and ends up doing what he loves.This gives the young ones something to shoot for and something to ponder and think about.This illustrations of of the authors usual high quality, by that I mean wonderful and the text is quite near perfect and matches the illustratios perfectly.I cannot recommend this one highly enough.

A book for all ages -- let creativity flourish!
Shh ... wanna hear a secret? Well, here it is: This is NOT just a children's book. Enthralled by the book and eager to share the joys of reading aloud with an older group, I shared this book with my ninth-graders back in 1991. To this day, it is one of the most cherished memories some of them have. At least one student went on to write children's books of her own. What more can an English teacher ask?
Good Book by a Favorite Author
This is an encouraging autobiographical tale. Tommy was sure he would grow up to be an artist.He is discouraged by people in his life at times but fortunately Tommy prevails.Thank goodness; we now have an excellent children's author/illustrator to enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Artists    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Individuality    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture   

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. African art    3. Art - History    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Juvenile literature    7. Masks    8. Masks (Facial)    9. Sculpture   

Reviews (1)

Drawing Faces is Fabulous
This book's illustrations are very colorful and beautifully laid out.From caricatures to torn paper collage, this is a great little book that will jumpstart lots of ideas.Mediums discussed include pencil, colored pencil, computer graphics, pen/ink, pastels, tempera, acrylic, watercolor, paper collage, pastel scratch, printing, and paper sculpting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Drawing    5. Face in art    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Technique   

Reviews (2)

Children's Literature Review
Ehlert, Lois. (2004). Hands: Growing up to be an artist. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc.
calling all artist
The book is told from the point of view of a little child.The child enjoys making things with her hands.Her parents encourage her in many ways.They let her paint, sew, build with wood, garden and lots more.With her parents support she dreams of becoming an artist when she grows up!
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Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Children's All Ages - Art & Art Instruction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Creative ability    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Handicraft    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Specimens    10. Toy and movable books    11. Juvenile Fiction / Art & Architecture    12. Picture books   

Reviews (1)

great for beginners!
If you are looking for an easy and non-specific drawing book about animals, this is the one. It has a wide range of them, from birds to insects, from wild felines to cute pets and farm animals. I would say thisbook is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in drawing butdoesn�t know any techniques or doesn�t feel capable - yet - of drawinganimals instantly. It is perfect for beginners because it does not use hardtechniques, such as shading, and with it you are able to discover whichkinds of animals you would like to draw more - and then you can go for"Draw 50 Birds" or "Draw 50 Cats", which are twoexamples that, comparing to this one, are more specific and therefore morechallenging books."Draw 50 Animals" uses the step-by-stepmethod and is very easy to follow. You start with simple lines and shapes,and little by little you turn them into the animal which you thought youwould never be able to draw. The result is really amazing, and a greatself-esteem increaser for beginners (at least for me it was!). This book issure to please anyone who uses it and anyone who sees the result of usingit! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal painting and illustration    2. Art - Drawing    3. Children's 9-12 - Art & Art Instruction    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Drawing    7. Juvenile literature    8. Technique    9. Art / Drawing    10. Decorative arts & crafts    11. Handicrafts    12. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (8)

Great first book for baby architect
I found out about this book from a fellow architect who was looking for architecture related children's books for her children. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased it for another architect friend's baby shower and will continue to purchase it for other architect friends in the future, as well as for my own children when the time comes. The story is very cute, the names are clever and the illustrations are fun. The perfect book for a future architect.

Quite lovely.
Nina Laden, Roberto the Insect Architect (Chronicle, 2000)
Roberto, The Insect Architect is really great
My kids love this book, the story is fun and the art work is great.My wife an I both enjoy this book to and we often purchase extra copies to give as birthday gifts to other children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    7. Termites    8. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (16)

Great book
Learning to cartoon and draw caricatures can be a daunting task, but the late Jack Hamm makes it all come together. From dozens and dozens of facial expressions and basic anatomy, animation and advertising, even political and editorial cartoons, the artist takes you step by step the world of drawing "funny pictures". Regardless of style or genre there is plenty to learn here.

Excellent!
I own most of Mr. Hamm's books now and all of them are excellent.
A must for people learning illustration
I think I've read this book more than 100 times. It is one of my favorite references for illustrating the human figure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art - Cartooning    3. Caricature    4. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    5. Figure drawing    6. Head in art    7. Techniques - Cartooning    8. Techniques - Drawing    9. Art techniques & materials    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    11. Comic book & cartoon art