Patterns

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-The first four pages in these books are identical. Loopi Line and his friends-each a different kind of line-are introduced. If readers skip over these pages, there could be some confusion about Loopi, Dotty, and the Lino Brothers. Then the author moves on to the respective topics. On each page, a large-type text offers general statements, while a smaller-type text asks specific questions about each piece of art, thus encouraging children to think about the works and see them in new, more mature ways. Works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and others illustrate the elements of design. Photographs of sculpture, textile designs, and Egyptian and Mayan art are tied to the related texts. The author mentions other design elements as well. While these books could be useful for art lessons and reports, they are not outstanding in their organization or format. As such, they are secondary purchases.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.