Fun Crafts with Textures

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-This odd mix of art theory, crafts projects, and art history offers little inspiration. The opening pages cover the basic theory behind each book's topic. For example, the first book has paragraphs on color and light, color and emotions, primary and secondary colors, and how paint gets its color. Subsequent pages yield a dozen projects designed to illustrate the concepts. The intent is not always clear. The pedestrian crafts range from those preschoolers might initiate to exercises readers might expect in an introductory art class in high school. Each one includes a list of supplies and instructions supplemented with questions and suggestions. The color illustrations and instructions are clear, but some steps seem unnecessary, like painting white poster board rather than purchasing colored pieces. The end results of applying poster paint to foam or using a glue stick or white glue to adhere sponges to wet clay are also questionable. Mostly unnecessary patterns are provided at the end of each book and printed in pale colors, essentially negating the tracing potential. To their credit, the books do include cautionary notes about handling scissors and paints. They also encourage children to follow their imagination with the approval of an adult, with "You Can Try" ideas at the end of many projects. Each title closes with a reproduction of an artist's work that exemplifies the book's theme. Despite an appealing presentation, the unimaginative content does not live up to expectations.-Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.