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Children’s Book Briefs of polymer clay, suggested tools and
Cindy Hasio
materials, information on how to
Middle Eastern, Native American, and
Poetry. Under each of these headings,
prepare the clay, and directions on
books are listed according to reading
curing. Information is given on mix-
level, each with a classroom guide on
ing colors, neutralizing with comple-
the site and in a downloadable ver-
ments, color schemes, and contrast to sion.
promote designing with color. Photo-
The classroom guides range from
graphs in vivid color illustrate numer- six to eight pages and include reading
ous intricate designs of millefiori
levels and themes, a story synopsis
techniques along with clearly written and background information about
step-by-step instruction for creat-
the book, author, and illustrator, along
ing stunning jewelry and art objects.
with teaching tips, pre-and post-read-
Bettina Valentino and the Picasso
Techniques are included such as
ing questions and strategies, vocabu-
Club. Niki Daly. New York, NY: Far- canes, reducing and embedding cane
lary, writing and response activities,
rar, Straus, and Giroux, 2009. Hard- slices, imitation bone, skinner blend, adaptations for ELL/ESL students,
cover, 112 pp., $15.95.
foil transfers, jellyroll mokume gane, interdisciplinary activities, and Web
When the weird and flamboyant new
ripple-cut mokume gane, translucent resources.
art teacher, Mr. Popart, joins the fac-
overlay beads, and floral scenes. The
Some of the books list art connec-
ulty at Bayside Prep, Bettina Valentino examples of outstanding work by
tions under “Interdisciplinary Activi-
is in awe. Bettina likes to express
Donna Kato and other artists make a
ties.” One example is Dia’s Story
herself through art in crazy ways with dramatic statement and will inspire
Cloth by Dia Cha, which documents
the help of the Picasso Club, made up anyone wishing to work with clay.
the Hmong-American experience and
of her friends Mason, Carmen-Daisy,
its depiction in an embroidered story
—Berniece Patterson is supervisor of
and BB. Mr. Popart’s eccentric per-
cloth. Suggested art activities are vis-
sonality and method of teaching gets
student-teachers in the art department at
the University of North Texas in Denton, iting an art museum to look at quilts,
him into trouble with parents and it
Texas.
then making connections between
is up to Bettina and the Picasso Club
quilt and story cloth; or, students
to advocate freedom of artistic expres-
could depict their own family experi-
sion. The book features cartoons and
Web Reviews
ences through drawings or collage.
sketches, and the author integrates
Rebecca Arkenberg
Rainbow Joe and Me by Maria
information about famous artists
Diaz Strom tells the story of a little
such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and
Andy Warhol. The many expressive
moments and dialogue between characters will captivate middle-school
students.
—Cindy Hasio is a Ph.D. student and
teaching fellow from the University of
Web Reviews
Rebecca Arkenberg
girl who describes colors to an elderly
neighbor who is blind. Art activities
focus on color, identifying primary
colors, mixing secondary colors, and
describing colors. Art teachers work-
ing collaboratively with language arts
teachers could use these resources as
a starting point for almost any piece
North Texas in Denton, Texas.
Lee and Low Books
of children’s literature.
www.leeandlow.com
Lee and Low also offers the chance
Bookmarks
Berniece Patterson
Lee and Low, an independent chil-
dren’s book publisher, focuses on
diversity—its mission is to provide
interesting and meaningful books for
to register to win a free book. Under
“Fun” on the homepage, click on
“Book Giveaway Contest” to complete
and submit the online entry form.
The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori
Techniques. Donna Kato. New
children from many different back-
grounds. Teacher resources for their
—Rebecca Arkenberg is a museum consul-
tant from Stratford, Connecticut.
York, NY: Watson-Guptill Publica-
books can be found on the website
tions, 2008. Illus., softcover, 176 pp., (under “Educators” on the home page)
$19.95.
and are grouped by interest area,
This exciting book begins with the
including African-American, Latino/
