This Is Orange by Rachel Poliquin illustrated Julie Morstad

 A Field Trip Through Color

When was the word "orange" first mentioned? What is the word's origin? These questions and more will be addressed in this oversized picture book.

I thought its organization was lacking. Initially, the author presents orange's etmology. Then she discusses how to mix red/yellow to make orange. Then art featuring the color orange, fruit that has orange pigmentation, birds with orange markings, International Orange suits, structures that include orange. . . and other random facts. I perceive some subtle transitions but overall, I feel the organization is a bit disjointed/random. Maybe more artistic personalities will appreciate this format. My Type-A personality struggles with it. I, however, still enjoyed the book and the unique facts it presents!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice by Amy Alznauer illustrated by Anna Bron**

 All of her life Marjorie loved nature and mathematics. When she expressed her desire to study art and geometry, her parents instead recommended that she become a secretary.  Within her quiet life as a mother of five children, Majorie continued to study shapes and to learn about math and geometry. Through an announcement in Scientific American , December 1975, Marjorie learns that possible pentagons that tessellate were still waiting to be discovered. Marjorie ends up finding many more pentagons. It wasn't her degree or her desire for money or fame that bolstered her determination; it was her love for geometry and art.

**Highly, highly recommend.

Inspiring! When teaching about M.C. Escher, parents and teachers can introduce Marjorie Rice, an ordinary woman who pursued an interest without the goal of recognition.

The illustrations are mathematical/geometrical and beautiful. The author alternates the history of fitting shapes together and Marjorie's life until they merge. The illustrator defines each focus with a border (shape history=tan rectangular  border, Marjorie's life=no  tan border)

Consideration: old-earth worldview

-Borrowed from the library.

 

The Restorationists #1- Beneath the Swirling Sky by Caroline Leiloglou illustrated by Vivienne To*

 Vincent has decided to stay away from art-not look at it, not draw it, not paint it. When his parents leave him and his adopted sister Lili at his great-uncle's house in Texas, he believes they are trying to coerce him into loving art again. His uncle's house is crammed with art. How can he avoid it? Georgia, his second cousin, is also spending the week. The two form a friendship as they attempt to rescue Lili from a sinister society in an art world. 

Exciting and unique! Vincent, Lili, and Georgia travel into paintings. I loved learning about artists through this adventurous novel. Book #2-Between Flowers and Bones is already available (it is mostly from Georgia's perspective).

At first I did not care for Vincent. In my opinion, it took  too long for the author to reveal why he hates art. I like how the author confronts nudity in art. She incorporates it tastefully and realistically into the story and then discusses how to handle it in the author's note. I love how she lists where to view all the art she incorporates in the book. God is mentioned throughout. Jesus, on the boat in Rembrandt's The Storm on the Sea of Galilee , helps him process and move on from the evil conflict within himself. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

What Makes a Bruegel a Bruegel? by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Richard Muhlberger**

 A short biography about Pieter Bruegle the Elder begins this informative, interesting book. The rest of the pages feature several of his paintings, analyzing them and sharing their back stories.

**Highly, highly recommend. Other artists are included in this series.

-Borrowed from the library.

Paolo Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett illustrated by Claire Keane**

 Over a month ago I met with a friend to help her select books for a literature classe she was teaching. She introduced me to this gem!

Paolo resides (is imprisoned) in a hair salon. He longs to escape and explore the wonders of Rome. Finally, one day the door is left open, unnoticed by his owner. Freedom! With eagerness, he explodes out onto the streets, discovering the ancient and new treasures of Rome. When he rescues nuns, his future as a free dog in Rome is secure.

Paolo leads readers around Rome, reinforcing its history and culture. The richness of the book will be enjoyed only if readers linger, ask questions, and make connections.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicolas Day with art by Brett Helquist*

Award winner: Sibert Medal Winner

World magazine listed this book as one of the top nonfiction books published in 2023. 

With humor and the pace of a detective story, Mr. Day shares the events surrounding the Mona Lisa heist in 1911. Mr. Day researched extensively. My mind was spinning at points from learning about the different individuals connected to the case! He even transports the reader to the 1500s where we interact with Leonardo da Vinci, learn about his childhood and then about his interesting "career". The plot switches between the 1500s & 1911-1913. 

Mr. Day's tone and voice is engaging and humorous. He proves that nonfiction reading and history can be fascinating!

Points to discuss: da Vinci is an illegitimate child, stealing, lying, betrayal, Picassco lives with a woman (call her his "partner), mentions how a man was so obsessed with the Mona Lisa that he committed suicide

Strategy: monitor comprehension (vast amount of individuals involved with case . . .plus many theories & conclusions arise and then are disproven!! Also, the reader needs to keep straight the two time periods portrayed)

*Highly recommend 

-Borrowed from the library.

Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel illustrated by Barbara McClintock**

 Both Sarah Mackenzie from Read Aloud Revival and World magazine recommend this book. Oh my. It is stunning and delightful. Both author and illustrator capture Randolph Caldecott's energetic personality and weave in his life's story which will appeal to the audience. I appreciated the annotations, which make this book for an audience for a wide age range. The two-page illustrated spread on pp 28-29 is fun for bibliophiles-try to guess which Caldecott Award winner the people are holding!

This book should have won the Caldecott this past year! Ms. McClintock is a favorite illustrator.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (but would love to buy it).

Cut! by C.E. Winters illustrated by Matt Schu

 How Lotte Reinger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized Animation

Ms. Winters reveals how from a young age Lotte loves the theater and Scherenschnitte (German word for "scissor cuts"). These passions lead her to create new ways to animate. She invents the multiplane camera. Walt Disney receives more credit for the animation process than Lotte even though she was animating in the 1920s, ten years before he did. Her accomplishments were mostly achieved right before WW II and after it. Maybe she does not receive as much credit because she was German??

Very interesting!

-Borrowed from the library.

Ekphrastic art text set*

 Our poetry treat theme for September was ekphrastic poetry. Ekphrastic poetry is poetry inspired by art. The boys wrote superb poetry based on art of their choice. A successful activity!

I bought two used books that feature this poetry with the art next to it-

AND

**This collection is unique because it contains the poem in its original language. Such a rich feast-different languages, art and poetry!

Paint Me a Poem by Justine Rowden -borrowed via ILL  Ms. Rowden selected famous pieces of art and wrote poems based on the art. I liked how even the font matched the mood and tone of the poem.

The Fantastic Journey of Pieter Bruegel by Anders C. Shafer*

 Mr. Shafer imagines what Pieter Bruegel's journey from Antwerp to Rome must have been like in 1551-1552. Narrated in 1st person via journal entries. Two-page illustration spreads enrich the experience. At the back Mr. Shafer includes small prints of Bruegel's art and comments on their significance. My favorite painting is Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. When I was researching ekphrastic poetry, I discovered two poems inspired by this painting. 

This book is over-sized.

*Highly recommend for art and history lovers.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mary Cassatt Extraordinary Impressionist Painter by Barbara Herkert illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska*

 The text is sparse but the illustrations generously fill the pages. Ms. Swiatkowska painted the illustrations in impressionistic style. Ms. Barbara succintly portrays Mary Cassatt's fiesty, independent personality which led to her success in an era not accepting of women painters.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Loved to Draw-Benjamin West by Barbara Brenner illustrated by Olivier Dunrea*

 In Lancaster County, PA, in 1738, Benjamin West was born into a large Quaker family. A preacher predicted that he would do great things someday. His family watched for greatness. At age seven Benjamin was compelled to draw his baby nephew. Initially he hid the drawing, afraid that his family would think he had spent his time foolishly. Instead his family celebrated his talent and provided ways for him to develop it. In fact, Benjamin Wes is often called the father of American art.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Millet Tilled the Soil by Sybil Deucher & Opal Wheeler illustrated by Dorothy Bayley*

 I read sections of this long picture book to my thirteen-year-old over a several weeks during our study of Millet. We both enjoyed this old biography. My son wanted me to buy it because it is so old and a first edition!

In narrative format, the authors relate how Millet started painting and developing his gift through his success as a painter in his adult years as he supported his wife and many children.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via intra-lib. loan.

Albrecht Durer text set

 When preparing for our unit of the Reformation, I discovered that Albrecht Durer was known as "the artist of the Reformation" . He is also considered the greatest German Renaissance artist. My favorite paintings by him are "Peonies", "Columbine" , and "The Large Piece of Turf". I am using the following resources to teach my sons about him:

1. Albrecth Durer-Art for Children by Ernest Raboff. *Highly recommend. Easy, engaging paragraphs-format like an artist sketch book. In this book I saw for the first time "Peonies", Columbine", and "The Large Piece of Turf". -Borrowed from the library.

2. Before They Were Famous by Bob Raczka-(How Seven Artists Got Their Start)-One page short biography about their early days following with a few of their famous paintings. *Highly recommend. Borrowed from the library.

3. Simply Charlotte Mason Picture Study Portfolios by Emily Kiser -I absolutely love these packets. They contain copies of artists' paintings, suggested ways to talk about art  & artists. For each painting there are additional insights about it plus probing questions. I owe quite a few of these portfolios! My youngest son and I were disappointed they did not include our favorite paintings by Durer (I knew before I ordered it what paintings were included. I just wished they had included more of his nature subjects).

Andy Warhol text set by James Warhola*

 A retired art teacher recommended Uncle Andy's to me the other week. When I requested it from the library, I noticed a sequel and requested it too.

James Warhola, Andy Warhol's nephew, relates in two different picture books the interactions he and his family had with Andy Warhol. The subtle humor, the character depiction, and expressive illustrations create a faabbboulous read! The stories and illustrations are entertaining with gobs of facts seamlessly integrated.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

I liked Uncle Andy's the best.

If Monet Painted a Monster and more in the series by Amy Newbold illustrated by Greg Newbold

 Cleverly this husband-wife team incorporates monsters in famous artists' works. At the back they offer a brief, interesting biography of each artist mentioned. Comparing the art depicted in this picture book to the actual art would be a beneficial and a memorable experience.

This team has also written If Picasso Painted a Snowman and If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur. I have requested both titles from the library and will review them soon.

More in the series:

If Picasso Painted a Snowman-same idea as above   Featured artists: Picasso, Joseph Mallord William Turner, Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O'Keeffe, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Pablita Velarde, Jackson Pollock, Slavador Dali, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Georges Seurat, Piet Mondrian, Sonia Delaunay, Jacob Lawrence, Vincent van Gogh, Grant Wood

Idea: This coming school year I may have my seventh grader read this book and then have him create a snowmen in the style of the two artists we are studying (Whistler and Millet).

jun

These books are so clever and will help focus the reader on the artist's style. Very talented author-illustrator team!

Another book in the series-If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur  The dinosaurs depicted are listed in the back. Advice for artists is included.

  Artists featured in this book-Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, Katsushika Hokusai, Mary Cassatt, Grandma Moses, Frida Kahlo, Qi Baishi, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Diego Rivera, Franz Marc, Aaron Douglas, Harrison Begay, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Mark Rothko, Lois Mailou Jones, Marguerite Thompson Zorach, Edvard Munch

Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco

Throughout the winter Babushka decorates beautiful eggs for the annual Easter Festival. One winter she rescues an injured goose. The goose and Bubushka live congenially together until one day the goose accidentally breaks Babushka's painted eggs. After this devastating incident, the goose offers Babushka an apology gift, which Babuska titles "a miracle". A beautiful ending.

Pair with The Egg Tree, Chicken Sunday and The Easter Egg.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous

*Award winner-Caldecott Medal

 Last weekend my mom's neighbors taught us how to make pysanky eggs. In the neighbor's book basket (for her granddaughter), this book was displayed in the front. Not having ever read it, I decided to borrow it from the library.

Katy and Carl are spending Easter at their grandparents' farm in Pennslyvania. It is their first egg hunt on the farm. Little Katy does not know about the unique hiding spots for the eggs. Determined to find at least one egg, she ventures into the attic and discovers an old hat box full of painted eggs. Showing them to her grandmother and cousins, Katy revives the tradition of painting pictures on eggs and begins a new tradition, displaying them on a tree.

Pair with: The Easter Egg by Jan Brett, Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco and Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco.

-Borrowed from the library (but I would like to buy this book since it is based on the PA Dutch. Also in the acknowledgements, one individual who inspired the author to write the story is from the county where I  reside).

Vincent and Theo -The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

*Award-winner (many awards) 

Ms. Heiligman based this biography off of letters exchanged between the brothers (primary sources) and also secondary sources. Very-well researched and well executed. Her exquiste prose captivates the reader and thrusts them into Vincent's and Theo's worlds. 

Although Vincent's and Theo's tumultuous lives has sadden me (I almost did not finish the book), I have concluded that knowing their stories gives me greater appreciation for Vincent's work and also for brotherly devotion. Ms. Heiligman reveals Theo's little known story . . .without him or his wife, Jo, Vincent van Gogh may not have been famous.

*Categorized as "young adult". 

Warning/points to discuss: mental illness/depression, suicide, numerous times the men visit prostitutes (no graphic details are given), STD's, alcohol abuse, Both Vincent and Theo leave their faith, Theo contracts syphilis and eventually dies from it.

-Borrowed from the library.

Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt*

 A Story about Vincent van Gogh

A simple story about van Gogh's interactions with a family while he lived in Arles, France. I read this picture book aloud to my sixth grader while we studied van Gogh's painting Bedroom in Arles. 

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss: bullies, mental illness

-Borrowed from the library.