Reviews (5)

Very Cute!
A cute book with great pictures, great rhymes, and it feels good to know that it is educational too.Never too early to appreciate great art!

Excellent Introduction to Art
My daughter is 17 months old and loves this series of books.The artwork is representative of the original work and the words do a great job of telling a story for each picture in a descriptive way without "squashing creativity" for the reader.
Amazing Children's Book
My friend bought four of Julie Merberg's books for my daughter when she turned one.I love all of the ones she bought, but this one is my favorite.I love Claude Monet and the pictures in this book are some of his best ones.The words that go along with each picture, flow very nicely and relate to each corresponding picture.These are really nice to get to start to your child's collection; especially if you want them to appreciate art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1840-1926    2. Art - General    3. Art - History    4. Art appreciation    5. Artists    6. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    7. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    8. Children: Preschool    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Monet, Claude,    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Themes, motives    14. Fiction    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / History    16. Monet, Claude   

Reviews (1)

excellent for very young children
This book is excellent.I highly recommend it for as young as 3 and 4 year olds.My daughter's skilled have dramatically improved from this easy to follow book.Excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Art - Drawing    3. Ballet dancers in art    4. Children's 4-8    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Handicraft    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Princesses in art   

Reviews (10)

A wonderfully illustrated introduction to the life and art of Diego Rivera
"Diego" introduces the life and art of Diego Rivera, the great muralist from Mexico, to young readers.As the note in the back of the book explains, people all over the world have heard of Rivera because he helped changed the meaning of art.In a world where artists made paintings to hang in museums and galleries, Rivera painted murals in public spaces so that ordinary people could see them as every day.Rivera painted murals all over Mexico, not only palaces and government buildings but also in schools, to show his deep respect for both the common people of Mexico and the working class around the world.All told, Rivera painted about two and a half miles of murals in his lifetime.
Viva Diego!
Diego Rivera's biography is told in this superbly illustrated text. The story begins as he is born, and ends many years later after Rivera has become a famous Mexican muralist, however much of the text focuses on Rivera's childhood. The text is written in both English and Spanish on every page. Both languages are written in concise sentences that clearly convey information about Rivera's life and work. Each page also has a brightly colored picture that reinforces the text's message.The illustrations by Jeanette Winter are beautiful, richly colored accompaniments to the colorful life of Diego Rivera. The motifs in them are those typically found in Mexican folk art and include appropriate colors and subjects, often echoing those found in Rivera's work. This is a delightful and age appropriate introduction to an artist whose tempestuous personal life sometimes overshadows his outstanding artistic accomplishments both inside and outside of Mexico. Students who are interested in art or Mexican history will find this book to be a treasure. Native Spanish speakers could use this text in the classroom to share their knowledge of the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
Great
Writing a book about Diego Rivera in terms that young children can understand is not an easy task, however this book does a great job. The story is engaging, the pictures are wonderfully colorful, and can hold a kid's attention. I purchased this book when my daughter was only 3 and even though she didn't understand much of the text, she was captivated by the pictures. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to expose a young child to art and artists' lives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - History    2. Artists    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Art    5. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Mexico    9. Painters    10. Painting, Modern    11. Spanish: Grades 2-3    12. Juvenile Fiction / Biographical / Other   

Reviews (3)

Gogh for it!
I wanted something to spark my 6YO son's interest in art. This book sure did. He asked me to read it to him a 2nd time right on the spot. He also spotted a Van Gogh print that I brought home. This is a fine series. I also got the Degas which wasn't quite as interesting but he still liked it. I just ordered Picasso and a few others. Get the Van Gogh and if your child loves it, try some of the others. (I also liked that this mentioned Van Gogh was very depressed once at loving a woman who didn't love him back.)

Starry Light....I mean Starry Night
This is what my daughter called the famous painting when I first bought her this book.She is almost 4 and has owned this book for about 9 months and it is regularly a favorite that she likes to read...well, more often she likes to look at the pictures and name the paintings.This is a great intro to art book for young children.I highly recommend as a first book for your little art-lover, or art-lover-to-be.

Great, funny book with good facts and paintings
My daughter read this book for a class report, and we liked the fact that this book coincidentally was written as though it was a child's report about Van Gogh. She was intrigued to find out that Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime, and was not a rich artist. The humor in the writing and illustrations make this book accessible, fun, and informative, and help kids relate the artist's life. The evolution of Van Gogh's painting style beginning with Potato Eaters and the influences on his art are discussed in understandable terms. It was fun to learn that throughout his life, Vincent's best buddy was his brother Theo, even though they fought as siblings often do. The book contains many photos of Van Gogh's actual paintings.Great book. We both recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1853-1890    2. Art - General    3. Art - History    4. Artists    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Art    7. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    8. Children: Grades 2-3    9. Gogh, Vincent van,    10. Juvenile Fine Arts    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Netherlands    14. Painters    15. Readers - Beginner    16. Gogh, Vincent van    17. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / General   

Reviews (1)

very good counting book and more...
not only is this a very unique counting book but it allows you to share with your child fine art that they may not usually be exposed to.i use it as a counting book and an art book.it is an excellent gift to give someone as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Mathematics    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Concepts - Counting & Numbers    6. Counting    7. Counting & Numeration    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Preschool Concepts    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (9)

don't have a clue how to draw manga this is the book you should start with
Fantastic, I would say this is the first book anyone interested in drawing manga should buy. I have other manga books, but this one is the best.

great book
my husband uses this a great deal and finds it very helpful it has in-depth basics

Not as good as they say
Dont get me wrong this book does teach you the basics and then abit more but, if you're like me and learn more visually then reading, then this book aint for you. This books artwork is real 80s work, ya know pointy face with messed up face features like eyes alittle to high or not portioned correctly, all old etc etc( even Dragon ball Z style looks better then these ). So that for one through me off I have little anime/manga experience and my artwork is far better then this one so I suggest buying How to draw manga volume one and not MORE how to do draw manga volume one ( which is just as good or better in the reading portion )For the older volume has a more Recent style and not an old style. Although this volume gives you info that should be needed in this catagory it just makes you feel like your drawings will end up turning out old and ugly, not something for ppl who are looking for a more recent drawing style. And Btw MHTDM Volume 2 has a more recent style so if you are planning on buying two, go for it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Art - Cartooning    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Comic books, strips, etc.    5. Drawing    6. Human figure in art    7. Japan    8. Juvenile Arts And Crafts    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Technique    11. Techniques - Drawing - Specific Subjects    12. Art / Cartooning    13. Art techniques & materials    14. Comic book & cartoon art   

Subjects:  1. Appreciation    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    4. Art appreciation    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Fine Arts    9. Juvenile literature    10. Landscape painting    11. Painting    12. Reference    13. Subjects & Themes - General    14. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (6)

A juvenile history of Da Vinci with 21 related activites
I have been going through some of the books by Janis Herbert and others than combine history with 21 activities, and as interesting as I have found those volumes to be I have to say I like the ones that deal with artists even more."Leonardo da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas" combines a detailed juvenile biography of the life of the great inventor, military engineer, scientist, botanist, and mathematician who found time to be a great painter and sculptor as well.This was the man who painted the "Mona Lisa" and invented the armored tank, diving suit, bicycle and airplane centuries before they were built.He is also an important figure in what has been the novel that has been at the top of the bestseller list for like the past year. Interesting, pretty pictures
Knowing little about art, I found this book easy to understand, enjoyable and informative.However, it is too advanced ("boring") for my almost 8 year old daughter.My opinion is that this book would be great for 10 and up.

I learned as much from this book as much as my students did!
I was surprised to see even one negative review of this wonderful book.I think it can be enjoyed equally by both parent/teacher and child/student.The text is beautifully written and presents all of the facets of this fascinating man. It also places his activities firmly within the context of the politics and society of the Renaissance.The book includes explanations, in language a middle-school child can understand, how flight is possible and how canals and locks work. A wide variety of activities, as well as line drawings, are included to illustrate other key concepts in painting, mechanics, etc.I cannot agree with the reviewer who felt that too few of Leonardo's works were included; I felt it included his most important works, as well as an interesting array of his mechanical, nature and anatomical drawings.As a teacher, I suggest using this book in combination with E.L. Konigsberg's "The Second Mrs. Gioconda"; my students really enjoyed seeing how novelists can use facts as the basis for fiction.I finished this book awed by the range of Leonardo's gifts and both my own daughters (one a reader, one an artist) loved this book for different reasons.But they both came away knowing about and loving Leonardo and that's the important thing!I only wish that this author would do a book on "Michaelangelo for Kids." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1452-1519    2. Activity Books - General    3. Art - History    4. Artists    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Art    7. Biography & Autobiography - Science & Technology    8. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    9. Children: Grades 4-6    10. Creative activities and seat work    11. Italy    12. Juvenile Fine Arts    13. Juvenile Nonfiction    14. Juvenile literature    15. Leonardo,    16. da Vinci,    17. Artists, designers, photographers    18. Interactive & activity books & packs    19. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Art    20. Leonardo   

Reviews (7)

START EXPLORING(tm) Masterpieces - A Fact-Filled Coloring Book
It's a starter book for the young.I would have liked to have the orginal picture with the color pages, plus the detail is lacking.If you are looking at introducing a kid to the arts this is the book that you need.

Wonderful
I just got this book.. very nice and informative, the paintings history and other information is inside but not included the original paintings , so I have no Idea what's the colors of the painting, atleast a thumbnail will do. Other than that it's a wonderful addition to my collections of art books. :-)

Makes Learning Fun
This neat book is a great way to help your child or student learn about art and the great masterpieces (or yourself, if you prefer to use a fun method to teach yourself). Users get to color masterpieces in their own way, and the opposite page gives a brief, easy-to-read-and-understand description of the work of art and artist.
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Subjects:  1. Activity Books - Coloring Books    2. Art - History    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Novelty    5. Colouring & painting    6. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (2)

theory and praxis
This slim book isa superlative endeavor for the nascent artist who wishes to grok the tantalizing, intriguing and intricate creations of M. C. Escher's uniquely perceptive intellectual faculties.Do have ample fine- to medium-tipped pencils of several colors at your ready.Also. engage your answering machine to thwart interruption of your artistic pursuits.

Escher-esque
Color book for teen-agers and adults that want some occupational therapy.Images (as with Escher) are often redundant and beauty is in contemplating the infinite.Don't do this to your kid unless they are alreadywell-advanced into neurosis!(Note: Two-page (non-redundant)"poster" is wonderful for those that like the whimsical style ofEscher's creatures.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Art - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books   

Reviews (8)

Good Book
My Daughter loves to draw and she loves this book!!! She is 8 and this was perfect would recommend again!!!

Very poor book
Since I ordered this for a young budding artist, I was willing to wait awhile until it shipped.What a disappointment - this book is not at all what I expected - I imagine I should have been warned by the price.There is almost no instruction about drawing horses - the pictures are pretty but they will not help in actually learning to draw horses.One star is almost overly generous for a "learning" book.

This is supposed to teach you how to draw?!
This book is pathetic. It has almost no instructions, only not-very-realistic horse drawings on each page. If you want a great horse drawing book, check out "Anyone Can Draw Horses." This book uses non-conventional methods, such as sketching the basic skeleton to get the horse's shape correct. It never ONCE tries to make you use circles and other geometric shapes. (I don't know about you, but this never works for me! The drawing just gets disproportionate!) However, if you like the circle method, try "Draw 50 Horses." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Art - Techniques    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Art techniques, equipment & materials    7. Drawing & drawings    8. Horses & ponies   

Reviews (3)

Fun for all ages!
This is a fun book for toddlers and up!Ed Emberley provides lots of ideas / directions for making flowers, insects, animals, borders etc. using only circles! To make it easier, we bought some circle punches in a variety of sizes.Add some paper and glue and you're set to make all sorts of pretty things!My 4 and 6 yr olds both love it.We also own Picture Pie 2, but find this is the easier book to use just because we can use punches instead of tracing and cutting.Lots of fun!

So simple, yet...
I bought this rather because I'm a bit of a completist: I have almost all of Emberly's other drawing books, and I really didn't see how something that seemed this simple could be of much interest. Ed Emberley's Picture Pie: A Circle Drawing Book
My son had received this book as a gift when he was five and because his interest and draw developement I bought all the others Ed Emberley's books. Now, I need to buy the first one again because my younger daughter foundthe Circle Drawing Book and it is a little bit old ( too many trips toschool and neighbours houses). My son still like to draw with Ed Emberley'sbooks but this one has a special place on his heart. With this specialbook, he realized he can draw and now he is the best at school and at hometoo. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's 4-8 - Art & Art Instruction    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Juvenile Fine Arts    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / Drawing   

Reviews (28)

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE this book! Great illustrations. I like having all the good characters around joking and stuff with no immediate chrisis and for a HAPPY occasion (very rare). And there was plenty of action. I definitley liked the "wedding crashers". Not to mention that I LOVE Mara Jade. She is funny and tough and totally fit to be a main character in the Star Wars universe.
Only for hard-core 'shippers
This graphic novel is not essential reading - in fact, it should be touted as the Mills and Boons version of the Star Wars EU.
a union of brilliant art and inspired writing
Star Wars Union is much more than the tale of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade's wedding. Union is easily one of the best Star Wars tales available for a number of reasons.
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Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Comics & Graphic Novels - General    3. Graphic Novels    4. Graphic Novels - Science Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Movie Tie - In    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Comics & Graphic Novels / General   

Reviews (5)

Exercise your child's imagination
We loved both Imagine a Night and Imagine a Day. The artwork is a great introduction to surrealism and more importantly the power of imagination. It is a great way to teach your children to think out-of-the-box. Since receiving this as a gift myself, I have made it a standard for baby gifts to others. Always the same response, "what an unbelievable book".

4 and a half but willing to be generous
I gave this book 5 stars to balance it with the 4 that I gave his other book; Imagine a Day. Both books are awash with the same wonderful surrealism. Its a trip to another world on par with Escher. Unfortunately the trip is far too short, only 16 paintings. His two books should be combined to one in my opinion but other than that a great experience.

Fantastic art
I saw one of Gonsalves' pieces in an art store while on vacation. The piece jumped out at my as soon as I set foot through the door. I could only find original prints (all numbered) and they were all fairly expensive. His imaginative perception is very unique. All prints are quite clever and very vivid. I'll be keeping an eye out for a print, but until then I've got this book.
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Subjects:  1. Bedtime    2. Bedtime & Dreams    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. Imagination    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Night    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Snow    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / General   

Reviews (2)

Violent - what were they thinking?Good concept, poor choices.
I purchased this book to give as a gift to my nephew.When it arrived, I opened the book to the middle and I could not believe what I was looking at.One of the art scenes is of a battle where a man charging on a horse has been decapitated.Blood is spewing from the headless neck, his necklace is falling in one direction, and his separated head (with a horror/surprise look on his face) is falling to the ground behind the horse.This is very gruesome, and there is no way I could give this as a gift a child of any age.
not pleasant
Some of the works of art are lovely, but 2 are too violent for a child to study. In one, a man is being beheaded and another shows a nightmarish scene with a man on fire. Is this the best the author could find? Sure to turn some children away from art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - History    2. Art - Painting    3. Art appreciation    4. Children's 4-8 - Art & Art Instruction    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Games & Activities - General    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Techniques - Painting    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Games & Activities / Puzzles    12. Painting & paintings    13. Picture books   

Editorial Review

In another wondrous, wordless picture book by Caldecott Medal winner David Wiesner (Read more

Reviews (23)

Would you like to swing on a cloud?
David Wiesner is best described as a light-hearted Chris Van Allsburg.In his books there tends to be a very real and deep fascination with both the sky and breaking away from convention.For example, his book "Tuesday" examines the repercussions of frogs flying at night."The Three Pigs", by contrast, takes a familiar story and loosens it up considerably.With "Sector 7", a wordless tale of a boy and his cloud, Wiesner tells a tale of changing the status quo.It's sometimes very difficult to find noteworthy wordless picture books out there but Wiesner appears to have an excellent grasp on this rarely appreciated genre.
Wiesner's Best
I love how this book can be used by a large variety of ages.the story is so creative and fun, but can be made complicated for older kids.Because it's a picture book, it can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.Kids really have fun helping tell the story without feeling like the have to read.

Fantastic book
This is an absolutely beautiful book, with a wonderful message about non-conformity and the power of imagination.The illustrations are wonderful, too.The whole book has a very dreamy, magical quality, but at the same time, also a very clear and interesting story line.I pick up new details in the characters' expressions every time I read it.I think I will be buying this book as a gift for children and adults for many years to come.I recently went away to visit relatives in a foreign country, and this book, with a magnificent story but no words (no need for words), was an excellent gift idea for the kids.I've taken out a few of Wiesner's other books from the library and so far, this is my favourite by far.I have already bought three copies to give as gifts.I never manage to keep one for myself, because I always find someone I want to give one to.Within a few years, I think everyone I know will have a copy!I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Clouds    4. Empire State Building (New Yor    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Nature & the Natural World - Weather    9. Photo Essays    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Stories without words    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (7)

My Pony
This is a wonderful story perfect for your imaginative little ones. It took me back to my childhood and all the imagining and pretending I did as a little girl. My children were enraptured. I did not give it a five b/c they have not asked me to read it over and over. I think you have to be in a special mood for this story. Great at bedtime! Great for the little girl or boy who dreams of horses or loves animals.

For every girl who has asked for a horse...
The is a wonderful book for children who want their own horse and must live with the realization that they can't have one... but it is always nice to dream.

All Time Favorite
This has become a book for our special collection-my daughter received it for Christmas at age 4 & still loves it a year later.The illustrations are truly beautiful (as are all of Susan Jeffers illustrated books), and the story is sweet & appropriate for young kids (I'd say 10 and under). It's a story about a young girl who wants a pony, and draws & dreams up her own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Art (paintingsculptureartistsarchitectureetc.)    3. Artists    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Drawing    7. Fiction    8. Imagination    9. Jeffers, Susan    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Ponies    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - Hidden Picture    2. Appreciation    3. Art    4. Art - General    5. Art - Painting    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    7. Children: Kindergarten    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. New York    10. New York (State)    11. Painting    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Themes, motives    14. Interactive & activity books & packs    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / General   

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - Hidden Picture    2. Appreciation    3. Art    4. Art - General    5. Art - Painting    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    7. Children: Kindergarten    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. Painting    13. Preschool Picture Story Books    14. Themes, motives    15. Interactive & activity books & packs    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books    17. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / General   

Editorial Review

Gorgeous, oversize, and well designed, Read more

Reviews (34)

The Ultimate Book for X-Fans!
Ever since Giant-Sized X-Men #1 hit the stands back in 1975, the X-Men have gone on to become a comic and pop culture phenomena with no signs of slowing down.Toys, video games, TV Shows, and now three major Hollywood films have cemented the X-Men as still the reigning kings of the comic book universe.Adding to the mega-blitz of promotion is the newly revised and expanded edition of DK's X-Men, The Ultimate Guide now in its third edition, updated right through the latest feature film, "X-Men: The Last Stand".
Possibly the Best book I ever Read
This book has every thing from the classic charactors to the new movies. This book has made me apriecate reading and the comic books. I've never read them, but being a fan of the 1992-1997 x-men show. I would reccomend this book too all of you that know the X-men are awsome.!!!

Review From a Future Critic
I used to know very little about the X-Men until I read this book. It's a must have for people seeking the Ultimate knowledge of superheroes. If you aren't seeking that and want the most knowledge you can get in one book go for "Marvel Encyclopedia Volume 1: X-Men". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Cartooning    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Graphic Novels    4. Graphic Novels - Superheroes    5. Juvenile Film Studies    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Performing Arts - Film    8. X-Men (Comic strip)    9. X-Men (Fictitious characters)    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Humor / Cartoons & Comics