Art 123: Count from 1 to 12 with Great Works of Art

 by Stefano Zuffi

Summary: Simple, rhyming text invites the reader to count from one to twelve and more, while illustrations introduce works of art by such masters as Gainsborough, Van Gogh, and Matisse.

The intended audience of this book seems to be younger children who are learning numbers. However, what to count within the pictures is confusing. I recommend this book for introducing primary grade children to famous artists.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers

by Dianna Hutts Aston

Summary: In Watts, California, over a period of many years, a man known to all as Uncle Sam spends his free time collecting broken bits of pottery, glass, and other scraps and turning them into a work of art.

This biography, told as a story, is an ideal read aloud. Uncle Sam’s life and accomplishments are interesting. The collage illustrations were appropriate, although I would have liked to see more photographs of his real work. This book may be used to discuss following one’s heart and dreams.

Interest level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Doodleday

by Ross Collins

Summary: Despite his mother's warning, young Harvey draws on Doodleday. But when his drawings come to life in frightening ways, only his mother can help.

This is an entertaining book. It is a unique tale with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly elements.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

by Gary Golio

Summary: Before he became one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jimi Hendrix was a boy who loved to paint and listen to records, and who asked himself an unusual question: could someone paint pictures with sound? Run-on

This book won the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Coretta Scott King illustrator honor award. The beautiful and unique illustrations are used in a creative way. I was surprised ALA picked a book on Jimi Hendrix to celebrate the African-American experience. The story itself is child friendly and has a positive message. At the end of the book there is a note about Jimi Hendrix’s death and substance abuse resources for young people.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 6

The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff



The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff

by Laura Numeroff

Summary: When four friends with different talents and abilities go to summer camp together, they use their strengths to make camp fun for all.

This book is part of a series about four friends. I like the theme that all friends have different talents and are able to apply their talents in different ways. Also, if something you love is not available, try to make it available by starting a team, club, etc.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Who Stole Mona Lisa?

Who Stole Mona Lisa?

by Ruthie Knapp

Summary: Tells the story of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci portrait known as the Mona Lisa, including its 1911 theft from the Louvre in Paris, from the point of view of the subject of the painting. Includes an author's note with facts about the painting.

This is an excellent fictionalized story of a true event. The author weaves in many facts during the story in addition to the facts on the author’s note page. This book is appropriate for older readers interested in the Mona Lisa or art in general.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 2

One Boy

One Boy

 by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Summary: A boy creates ten paintings in this counting book that also explores the relationship of words within words.

This neat book was awarded the prestigious American Library AssoALA Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and is great for reluctant readers. Each page has a cutout in which you can see the picture on the next page. On the next page, there is a cutout that reveals text on the previous page to create a different word or part of a different word.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 1

Librarianjk recommends Elephants Can Paint, Too!

Elephants Can Paint, Too!

by Katya Arnold

Summary: In this true story, you will learn about an amazing class of elephants that are taught to become artists by an amazing teacher.

When I first came across this book, my first thought was “I am sure they can, but is it entirely necessary to teach them this skill?” After reading this outstanding book, I learned that this began for a reason and some elephants love it! Part of the profits of this book is donated to helping elephants.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Art and Max

Art and Max

by David Wiesner

Summary: Max wants to be an artist like Arthur, but his first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind trip through various media, with unexpected consequences.

The alluring illustrations for this book add to this comical and unique story. This would be super to use before an art class or to discuss creativity.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 1

Librarianjk recommends Henri, Egg Artiste

Henri, Egg Artiste

by Marcus Pfister

Summary: Tired of painting the same old Easter eggs, Henri the rabbit decides that as an artist he needs to create something different and takes his inspiration from various periods of art history.

This is a neat book. It can be used to introduce an art class for intermediate level students. A teacher could discuss either the idea of painting from inspiration of other artists or following your own heart.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Interest Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Chalk

Chalk

by Bill Thomson

Summary: A wordless picture book about three children who go to a park on a rainy day, find some chalk, and draw pictures that come to life.

This book is unique and imaginative. The illustrations are extremely life-like and beautiful. As with all wordless books, a young child can explain to an adult what is happening in the pictures or create his/her own story. Older children can write their own story from the illustrations.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Librarianjk recommends The Hundred Dresses

The Hundred Dresses

by Eleanor Estes

Summary: In winning a medal she is no longer there to receive, a tight-lipped little Polish girl teaches her classmates a lesson.

This is a wonderful book to read as a class, especially when children are being bullied. I found the ending moving and sad. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction.

Interest Level: grades 4-6

Reading Level: grade 5

Librarianjk recommends Ish

Ish

by Peter Reynolds

Summary: Ramon loses confidence in his ability to draw, but his sister gives him a new perspective on things.

I love this book. The first time I heard it read to a class I nearly cried because it is so sweet. A great follow-up activity is to have a child create something challenging that they may have been afraid of trying.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends A Beach Tail

A Beach Tail

 by Karen Lynn Williams

When his father tells him not to leave the lion he is drawing on the beach, a little boy starts making a very, very long tail--and a trail to follow back.

This book has beautiful illustrations. This book is great to discuss beach safety and shore tides.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail: A Story about Pablo Picasso

Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail : A Story about Pablo Picasso

by Laurence Anholt

Summary: Sylvette gradually begins to gain self-confidence during the summer. She models for the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in the French village of Vallauris.

This is a wonderful historical fiction book. When read with a child, do not forget the end note about the truth in the story! I always loved these as a child, and I am sure others do too!(period) I also love the photograph next to the note of the real Sylvette and Picasso.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3