Express Yourself by Art, Tattoo or Cartoon

Comment from E. Brady
Time 2012年1月26日 at 3:24 PM

Review by E. Brady for Starry Night over the Rhone, c.1888 Poster Print by Vincent van Gogh, 36×24
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This poster was very well packaged, and looked exactly like the picture promised, and therefore like the original painting. I am very proud to display it on my wall, because it looks more expensive than it really was. In fact, from far away, it looks more like a print than a poster.

Comment from Linda Kranz
Time 2012年1月26日 at 3:54 PM

Review by Linda Kranz for Art
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In this book the reader sees how being creative can be so much fun! As a mother I can remember all those “masterpieces” my daughter and son would skillfully craft for me. I have many of those pieces of art tucked away for a day in the future when I can place those treasures back in my child’s hands. I know they will beam a smile as the memories return them to a place and a time not so long ago when life was simple – the place of course, is childhood. If you enjoyed The Gift of Nothing I think this book would also be a terrific choice for your library. I especially like the ending! Mother’s do love art! Check it out!

Comment from JN
Time 2012年1月26日 at 4:37 PM

Review by JN for Art
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I agree w/ the elementary teacher who commented about ‘grownup art not being sufficient if Mcdonnell’s celebrating children’s art’. It was my first reaction when I saw the images (I’m also a teacher).

HOWEVER, since this book makes no claims to be original children’s art, I can love this book unconditionally. I read through it and I have to say that the book is beautiful. It echoes children’s art, the freedom and joy of movement even though it’s drawn by a seasoned artist. In this way does Mcdonnell celebrate children’s art even if he cannot recreate it. The world created in the book is as whimsical as any story I’ve watched pre-K kids create. The narration is beautiful.

I love this book and have added it to my personal collection.

Comment from W. Burks
Time 2012年1月26日 at 4:58 PM

Review by W. Burks for Art
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I love this book! I am a mom of three under 5 years old, and this book rings true to me. Everyday, I receive “gifts” of art from my children that look much like the books’ character Art’s doodles, and as their mom (and just like Art’s mom), I love their art! My kids love the book because Art’s art looks like their art so they can relate as well. It’s a book for the whole family. And regarding another reviewer’s comment on how the book could be improved with different colors and art, I believe that if asked, all readers could think of ways how any book could be improved more to their liking, and that’s why people write their own books, to have it their own way. For example, I may have liked the book even more if the author used more sparkly looking art which my daughter really enjoys or even named the character after my daughter which would make the book especially endearing to us, but you can’t always have a book reflect your own personal taste. So, having said that, I still love the book, and think it does appeal to a wide audience…kids and parents!

Comment from Armchair Interviews
Time 2012年1月26日 at 5:48 PM

Review by Armchair Interviews for Art
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Patrick McDonnell the creator of the Mutts comic strip, has illustrated for the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Time, Parents and other publications. He has scored a direct hit with his children’s book Art.

Art, a little boy, creates his art freely and with creative flare in Art. Art draws lines in the form of zigs and zags, scribbles that squiggle and dots in many colors and sizes. He plops splotches and blotches on the page, then with a flourish creates the curliest cue.

His inspiration is the paper and his mind and from there he doodles and creates his masterpieces. Exhausted he falls fast asleep and when he awakens, all those masterpieces have been carefully hung on the refrigerator by his mother.

Armchair Interviews says: Art is a delightful character that exudes personality and comes alive as he madly creates his art. Children will love the book Art.

Comment from DrewFromNY
Time 2012年1月26日 at 6:38 PM

Review by DrewFromNY for Art
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We received this book as a birthday present for our 3-year-old son. The hardcover edition is a very elegant looking book with what appear to be watercolor and ink illustrations. This is not a text-heavy book–some pages have a dozen or fewer words–and it is perfectly suitable for a 2-4 year old. I will add that I and my older kids (10 and 11) thoroughly enjoy reading it with the little guy as well. It is the story of a boy named Art and the different kinds of art he creates (lines, squggles, stars, etc.). The story, as it exists, does not have much too it, other than to demonstrate that art can be created by even a little boy and that his acts of creation engage his imagination and expand his world. The conclusion is really the cherry on top of a lovely book for young children to enjoy. While the storys and presentation are very different, my enjoyment of this book reminded me of when I first discovered Guess How Much I Love You (with the two little nut-brown hare rabbits), about 10 years ago. That franchise appears to have become bigger than life–perhaps over-exposed, I don’t know–but the gentle, warm story made a great impression on us at the time. ART has had a similar effect. A great find for anyone looking for a book for 0-3 and above.