Painting Faces

School Library Journal

Gr 3-8 This attractive book combines the anthropology and the art of face painting, showing that face painting is both universal and enduring. Color photographs illustrate a variety of designs from every culture, ranging from the ritualistic art of native peoples worldwide to the stylized ``masks'' of oriental actors and dancers. Haldane devotes two pages to clear and explicit instructions on types of makeup and how to use them safely, avoiding damage to skin and eyes. Beautifully produced photographs show a number of children with faces painted in the style of different cultural groups as well as theatrical performers, animals, and clowns. Simple directions on how to duplicate the designs are combined with several paragraphs on each culture and the tradition behind the painted design. Children will be attracted to this book by its brilliant color and the theatricality of many of the face designs. Teachers and parents will find it an unusual way to introduce a variety of cultures as well as a craft which has immediate appeal. Eleanor K. MacDonald, Beverly Hills Public Library