Review by Booklist Review
Bailey's accessible and inviting text brings readers along on a visit to a modern-art gallery, and they won't be alone--each art-movement themed room has fun animal hosts. Foxes start the fun; they're in the Impressionism room, Bailey informs readers, adding details about the movement's ethos and its most famous artists on paint-palette-shaped text boxes. Readers are urged to join the foxes and to find items scattered throughout Gould's lively computer-generated art and carried by other guests at the gallery. Each spread follows the same helpful pattern--introducing a movement by succinctly explaining its aims and ideas, listing artists associated with that movement, and encouraging a closer look with a seek-and-find activity. The spreads differ widely in their looks, though, maintaining interest through vivid art with quirky details. In the back matter, an illustrated time line shows the movements covered in the text, from Impressionism in the 1860s to 1920s Surrealism. Also in this section, youngsters will also find the answers to the seek-and-find puzzles and a short glossary. A wonderful preparation for museum visits as well as an amusing browse.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Foxes, kangaroos, llamas, and other animals visit an art gallery in this cheerful introduction to Western painting styles of the 19th and 20th centuries. Taking a broad look at artistic movements from the Impressionists of the 1860s through Optical Art in the 1960--80s, this book cleverly mixes art history with a search-and-find game. Each artistic movement is highlighted in a spread that names the style's general characteristics and most representative artists, along with renderings of iconic paintings altered to include animals from the book. A time line, glossary, and a key to the search-and-find games are provided at the end. This book is a jumping-off point rather than a deep dive into art history. It achieves its purpose neatly by presenting an attractive look at the concept of art movements through brightly colored illustrations, cute animals, and eye-catching page layouts. It is likely to encourage young readers to take a closer look into the study of art and would be an excellent choice in preparing for a first museum visit. VERDICT A vibrant, upbeat introduction to a variety of art movements with high appeal for young readers. Recommended where art history books are needed.--Allison Tran
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