Hidden Spirits

School Library Journal

Gr 2 UpSophisticated scratchboard paintings of Southwestern wildlife are the focus of this book. Each titled double-page spread is accompanied by a sidebar bordered with a Native American design and containing information on the life and lore of the Plains Indians. Kassirer explains several beliefs and practices of the Nez Perce, Crow, and Apache tribes concerning the animals native to the American Southwest. The author pays particular attention to the ravages of progress that have caused the extinction of the grizzlies in this area, as well as the endangerment of eagles, wolves, and buffalo. Her text also includes background notes as well as an explanation of the artist's technique. Besides being excellent nature prints suitable for framing, each of Larson's 10 black-bordered illustrations is a search-and-find scene in which the images "spirits"of mountain lions, crows, Native American equestrians, etc., are hidden. These puzzles are sure to intrigue children, as the images are intricately woven into each painting. Fortunately, the answers are in the back of the book. Use Hidden Spirits to accompany units on Native Americans or animal ecology or to inspire young artists to create picture puzzles of their own.Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Kirkus Reviews

Dramatic scratchboard paintings by a wildlife artist celebrate animals and landscapes of the western and southwestern US and invite viewers to hunt for elusive images that act as "reminders of the uniqueness and beauty of Native American culture."

Each spread opens with a description of what is happening in the double-page spread (e.g., a grizzly is swimming) and what (or who) else can be spotted in the painting (two people are among the boulders around the bathing pool). Not everyone will find the hidden pictures with ease, but a key appears in the back, along with a welcome illustrated discussion of how scratchboard prints are made. Larson lovingly and romantically renders scenes of wild horses, wolves, wildcats, red sands, and snow-covered rocks, created in a palette of ochre, burnt sienna, black, and white. Subtleties in shading and color choice enhance the optical illusions in the prints, which are so alluring that some readers will skip the text entirely.