Book Description

Featuring an extra-sturdy library binding!

Here is an exciting and informative guide to structures in which we live, work, play and worship. Superb color photographs offer a unique "eyewitness" view of buildings from the ground up. See incredible stone gargoyles, where linenfold wood paneling is found, what a Japanese screen is made of and how a hammer-beam roof is supported. Learn how stained glass is made, the difference between hipped and gabled roofs, how medieval tiles were made, what pantiles are and how stonemasons dress and carve stone. Discover the recipe for limewash, what a leggett is, what the three Greek "orders" were, how towers are built and how houses are built on mountainsides, and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ten minutes crash briefing...
This book looks small but contains a lot. Whether you are a student or just an enthusiastic it is good idea to have a book that fits in to your pocket. Again do not underestimate that book just because of "pocket". It delightfully explains buildings and architecture from the ages point of view to the architectural styles, materials with a basic graphics and pictures. You don't have to spend any afford for technical terms since each of them point with the arrows at the pictures. You can often see famous buildings at the different countries. In short it's fun the browse yet it teaches either you are at the subway or in the class waiting for your teacher. ... Read more

Book Description

Step back in time to visit one of the most famous buildings from the Roman Empire: the Roman Colosseum. Inside Sotry: The Roman Colosseum will take you through the Colosseum as it was in Roman days. Through beautiful illustrations and thoroughly researched information, you will come to know more about the Colosseum, how it was used, who went there, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book!
This book about the Roman Colosseum is awseme! I am doing a report on the Colosseum and this book was my primary source in it! It has lot's of info and it's VERY fun to read! the pictures make you see what's going on and there are alot of them! If you need a book about the Colosseum I highly suggest you pick this one! ... Read more

Book Description

Venture inside and outside our nation's capital for an extraordinary look at some of its many majestic locations: the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the National Air and Space Museum, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, RFK Stadium, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fantastic picture book of Washington D.C.
My son is 5 and has become very interested in the buildings of Washington D.C.I had a hard time finding a book that had a lot of pictures withoutall the verbage.This book is the best that I have found!Delightfulpictures will hold the interest of the very young.Recommended for thepre-book-report set! ... Read more

Book Description

New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text!

Here is a spectacular and informative guide to the castles of the Middle Ages and the lives of the people who lived in them. Superb, full-color photographs of castles around the world, plus specially built models, offer a unique and revealing "eyewitness" view of medieval life, from a castle's construction to its destruction in a siege.See a medieval lavatory, a giant crossbow on wheels, how prisoners were kept secure in dungeons, a herald in full regalia, and castles used by Crusaders in Syria and samurai warriors in Japan.Learn how castles got their water during a siege, how besiegers tunneled under castle walls, how the Normans built castles in a hurry, how the first guns worked, why round towers were better than square ones, and what a castellan's job entailed.Discover how enemies climbed castle walls, what was on the menu at a typical banquet, why many castles had resident carpenters and metalworkers, why Crusader castles were so well built, and much, much more. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good foundation
Like all the Eyewitness books, the quantity of information in Castle is both its strong point and weak point. We are taken to castles through time as well as in different cultures, and both the architectural and sociological aspects are examined. However, many of the facts and pictures included on a given page seem rather random and do not fit into a coherent general presentation.

Castle is good fun if one remembers to read the main sections and the details when they're specifically interesting, but to just enjoy the pictures for some of the minutia.

Not good.
Eyewitness Castles, Medieval Life, Knights: Boring. Eyewitness Castle isn't that good. It is very boring. The water Eyewitness books like Eyewitness SHARK are far more better then Castles, Medieval Life and Knights.

Hooray for Eyewitness Books!
Eyewitness books give readers complete information in short 'blurbs' and captioned pictures. These books are always the first to be checked out in our school library...our students LOVE THEM...and parents, you will too! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are newideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." This is precisely the species of serendipity that bounces and leaps through the pages of Maira Kalman's picture book Next Stop Grand Central, a charming tribute to New York's Grand Central Station by the artist whose murals currently spice up the historic terminal. Kalman--brilliant creator of Max the millionaire poet dog in Ooh-la-la (Max in Love)--not only reflects the vibrant nature of the busy hub, she paints comical portraits of the folks behind the scenes who make it all happen: ("Etha delivers the mail--a letter to Mr. Pickle cannot go to Mr. Schnikle.") We're also introduced to the people who "zip and zap and whiz" through Grand Central as passengers: ("The woman with the blue pancake hat is going to Chinatown to buy Poo Nik Tea.") Snapshots of "things you'll see" in the terminal include someone waiting patiently, someone waiting impatiently, and someone looking up. Things you won't see? Einstein sailing and the pyramids of Giza. Next Stop Grand Central is a compassionate, quirky view of a cross-section of humanity--and that, Kalman seems to be saying, is what Grand Central Station is all about. (Ages 5 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Just Another Day at Grand Central.....
Author Maira Kalman takes us on a fascinating and entertaining whirlwind tour of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is." Meet some of the people who work there from Lenny Maglione who's in charge of the whole building, Wanda who hears complaints, Ed, the lightbulb changer, and Marino Marino who makes oyster stew at the Oyster Bar, to Audrey in the information booth who will answer your questions, Melvin Johnson who helps you find the right train and step aboard, and Frank Chidester who runs the Lost and Found. And watch the travelers, waiting, looking up and down and all around, rushing, eating, and going to work, or play, or appointments, or visits. The action never stops at Grand Central because people need to come and go all day and all night long..... Ms Kalman's creative text is full of wordplay, puns, energy, humor, and fun that will send imaginations soaring, and is only outdone by her bold, busy and engaging artwork. Kids will love poring over all the marvelous detailed illustrations and are sure to find something new and exciting each and every time they open the book. Perfect for youngsters 5 and older, Next Stop Grand Central is an innovative smorgasbord of fast-paced action and fun that transports the reader to this very "grand" place for the adventure of a lifetime. "Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are new ideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." Jump aboard and enjoy!

It's like Grand Central in here...
This book rules. I work at Grand Central TERMINAL (not Station!) and Kalman captures the marevelous energy and wackiness of the building. I can think of few places that offer such a great opportunity for people watching, and "Next Stop Grand Central" portrays this in a bright and colorful way that adults and children alike can enjoy.

FORGET BARNEY AND RUGRATS -FINALLY A DECENT BOOK FOR KIDS
Not since Roald Dahl has a writer spoken to kids with such respect and imagination. When I read this to my 4 year old she was filled with questions and ideas and that is all I need to know. Some people have an unconventional style that fits both children and adults and Maira Kalman is certainly one of those people. This book and the Max series will be included in the lives of all the children I will ever know and they will be the happier, more imaginative and more creative for it.

Inappropriate for any age level
The artwork is unappealing, and seems as though she is ridiculing people. The tone is too bitter for children, and the book lacks any emotional truth that might appeal to a teenager or an adult. Like most of Kalman's work, this book generally is pointless; like when a college student feels embarrassed after making some vapid comment, and so pretends that it's an "inside" joke.

Wonderful literature for young kids
Maira Kalman's books are full of wonderful wordplay, visual play, and ideas -- a perfect antidote to all the treacly pap that one finds for kids. This book about New York's Grand Central Station is no exception. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

"I spy with my little eye something beginning with A..." Even the very youngest art lovers can spy out the apple in Magritte's Son of Man through the zigzags in de Geest's Portrait of a Child. Interact with twenty-six of the world's greatest paintings in this educational, entertaining, and beautiful pairing of a classic game with timeless art.

Reviews (5)

Fantastic
This is a fantastic book. There is a different picture for every letter of the alphabet. Each picture is different in style, type, artist etc. There might be Japanese woodcuts, Picasso, watercolors and so on.

This is an excellent introduction to art and types of art and styles and artists.

Also, in each picture is something that goes with the letter of the alphabet. Ball for b and so on.

A great way to practice beginning sounds and letter recognition.

This is a lovely book with great pictures and there are many educational type things you can do while enjoying time with your child. Well worth the money.

Enjoy.

A Fantastic Book to Introduce Your Child to Art!
I can't tell you how wonderful this book is for me and my two-and-a-half year old daughter. It is such a delight to curl up in bed and turn the pages as she gleefully points out the item that starts with the letter A, B, C...and so on. We've only read it a handful of times, but she's already gotten each picture and letter memorized. It makes me so happy to be able to introduce her to fine art at such a young age and for her to find so much enjoyment from it. This is truly a gem of book for every parent & child's bookshelf!

I Spy an excellent book
My three year old instantly loved this book. Only a few letters and pictures were difficult for him to connect M= Magpie and J=Jug but C=cat and D=dog were easy. He enjoys reading it with me or he'll pour over it alone reading it to himself. I highly recommend this book.

Artful book of learning
This book is fun for both child and adult. GREAT way to teach the word usage of letters of the alphabet through beautiful artwork. Very surprising what kids can do!! Only several letters are unrealistically hard for a 4-8 year old, but the majority are expertly chosen.

An ideal introduction to fine art for preschoolers!
As a parent, I'm always interested in expanding my children's personal horizons. Introducing our children to the world of fine art is a high priority in our family---but taking preschoolers to the art museum or a local gallery is oftentimes a disaster in the making!

Enter this lovely little book, "I Spy ~ An Alphabet in Art."

Remember the ageless game of I Spy?

"I spy with my little eye something that begins with A."

This book works its way through the entire alphabet letter by letter with a good-sized famous painting on each page. Classic works by Rousseau, Van Eyck, Picasso, Botticelli, Matisse, Miro', Renoir, Chagall, Seurat, and many others.

Many of the art books currently produced for children contain several small reproductions on each page. By limiting the art work to one large reproduction to each two-page spread, the child can focus on the painting without being distracted by other clutter on the page.

My two-year-old sat for an hour this afternoon entranced with the art. She would turn a page, prop herself up on her elbows, and gaze at the picture for a long time. Now and then, she'd come running over to me with the book in hand.

"Mommy! Look at the birds in the cage! The birds live in a cage...."

Art Appreciation in its simplest, most basic form. Seeing the painting for the first time---and then looking at it more intently to see beyond the initial first impressions.

For this busy mother with limited time and resources, it's a pleasure to find a book of this type. Brava, Lucy Micklethwait! ... Read more

Book Description

Step back in time and learn all about life in a Renaissance town. Through beautiful illustrations and thoroughly researched information, you will learn how people in these towns lived, what they did to earn a living, how the towns were built, and more. ... Read more

Book Description

The words of the Declaration of Independence, so familiar to us and so important to our country, were those of Thomas Jefferson. He was a primary force behind United States independence. Without his influence, our country would be vastly different from the nation we know today. Jefferson initiated public education, established a national library, and paved the way for the abolishment of slavery. Although he was not a power-hungry or even ambitious politician, Jefferson served in many different offices, including president, in order to help his fledgling country remain on its feet. His faith and dedication to the idea of self-government never wavered, even in the face of many personal hardships. John B. Severance traces Jefferson's life from his plantation boyhood to his two terms as president and his last days preparing for the opening of the University of Virginia, weaving details of both Jefferson's political career and his rich personal life together to create a thoughtful and well-researched biography.Jefferson quotes, bibliography, index. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Learn to draw the fun way
This book is from a series of 4 books from Emberly are the easiest books on drawing there are, period. Anyone young or old can learn to draw some great critters and vehicles from these books. ANYONE! All of his Big Color books are great, (They are a series, each named after a color). This one is famous for the easy way it shows you how to draw step by step, what appears to be a complex fire engine, but it is simple when you do it his way. THis book includes a number of fun ideas including Uncle Sam, police cars, ships and boats, Christmas holiday drawings. He even shows you how to make yours unique rather than a copy of his drawings. You can be the doodle hero of your classroom or office after using this book. He does it simply using very simple steps, lines, and basic shapes to start you off. My favorite in the series would be the Purple Book or the Green Book, then Orange, then the Red Book.

If you want to move up from here and learn the terminology of what you are doing, and really become an accomplished artist, the next step after these are the terrific books by Jack Hamm. If you just want to have some fun, get this book!

The next step to ed's drawing....
Ed's books on thumbprints...and simplier drawing books would probably be considered the *first* steps while i would consider this the *first and a half* step... there are more complex (more steps to some pictures) drawings... there are still pretty easy ones and if this isnt your shilds first book and they are at a stage where they are ready for something a bit more challenging this would be a good second line of art books.. it still is writtne in the same way and there are still easy easy things to draw BUT for those wishing to increase their skill/hardness level..there are pictures with more steps. the pictures are still broken down into easy to follow steps and it is STILL much easier and more understandable than most art books out there for kids... and there are so many things to choose from!

Watch out! Harder!
I think now we have all the Emberly drawing books and this one is far-and-away the toughest. Ed's son Michael, in particular, favors more complex drawings that will be harder for the youngsters to emulate, though older kids will probably appreciate the step-up after mastering the other books. (Even Ed's stuff largely seems tougher.)

Also, just so you know, this isn't a "red" drawing book like the green and orange: a wider variety of colors is used, and more subtly than in any of the other books, even the Animals book (which also uses color, but not to this degree).

I'd still recommend it, but more for 7 - 10 year olds.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL OF ED EMBERLEY'S DRAWING BOOKS!
Every year as the holidays approached my daughter requested this book from the library. Ed Emberley's books are still the best books for easy step-by-step drawing instructions - simple lines and shapes accumulate into a satisfying whole. My son rarely picked up a drawing utensil, but he'd be down on the floor, right beside his sister drawing away - satisfied and rarely frustrated. Emberley's "Big Orange Book" also recieved a lot of use in our house around Halloween. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

No triumphal arches for this book.
I was rather disapointed with this book. First the printing is mediocre and the photos are just boring. Only an architect could love this book. My kid just ignores it. It is a good concept I think but is in desperate need of better execution.

Great Book with a new perspective!
I like this book because it teaches children to relate the things they are learning (ie counting) to the real world. The photographs are clear and visually interesting. This book provides a great alternative to the basic counting books. I also find it more fun to read books to my children that I also find interesting. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Primer on Bridges for kids!
My son loves this book! It is packed with a lot of information on bridges and has nicely drawn pictures on every page. There are easy projects to do, one of which my son used for his science project at school.

I highly recommend this book for the child - and their parents -who want to learn more about bridges! ... Read more

Book Description

How does a city obtain water, gas, and electricity? Where do these services come from? How are they transported? The answer is infrastructure, or the inner, and sometimes invisible, workings of the city. Roads, railroads, bridges, telephone wires, and power lines are visible elements of the infrastructure; sewers, plumbing pipes, wires, tunnels, cables, and sometimes rails are usually buried underground or hidden behind walls. Engineering the City tells the fascinating story of infrastructure as it developed through history along with the growth of cities. Experiments, games, and construction diagrams show how these structures are built, how they work, and how they affect the environment of the city and the land outside it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Engineering in the City-- a Dad's review
I have an 8 year old son who is seriously addicted to Lego building blocks and anything else that can be built. I am also a cub scout den leader and that makes me pretty good at understanding what 8 and 9 year old boys like.

They like this book! It answers some basic questions, that very subtley provide some basic engineering principles. What is BEST about this book is that every chapter has several simple projects that your child and you can do together. Again, simple, but it is suprising how educational this kind of fun can be.

My cub scouts like building bridges the best so far. You can bet we will work our way through this book and do many more projects.

Honestly, I wish a book like this existed when I was a kid. I thought engineering was all math and boring! NO SO! This book lights a fire in my imagination as well as that of my son. I love this book! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful photos abound
Round Buildings, Square Buildings, Buildings That Wiggle Like A Fish won't fit into the curriculums of many schools but its appearance in 1988 earned it high recommendation as a basic introduction for all ages, to the world of architecture. This reprint of Round Buildings, Square Buildings, Buildings That Wiggle Like A Fish invites new generations to take a different look at the buildings we use. Beautiful photos abound. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent Book - worth adding to your library
This is a beautiful book that you and your child will enjoy reading over and over. It rounds out a classic children's home library in teaching about art and how each person sees art in different places and is able to share it with others. A great book to talk about during family dinners!

Celebrating the artistic experiences we all have every day.
This book beautifully and simply expresses the philosophy of the Lincoln Center Institute for Arts in Education, where I received training (I'm an elementary teacher). Basically, it is that art is about WAYS OF LOOKING, noticing, and interacting fully with our environment........appreciating the different, the beautiful, and the meaningful, for each of us as individuals. Cultivating this aesthetic awareness helps us live more fully, and connect to humanity. This book, appropriate for about age 4 and up, gently demonstrates this, and provides a valuable reminder for us grownups. On each page of 1-2 sentences, the narrator describes how her careful noticings of simple beauty makes her an artist. Truly, we all have it in us. Also, if this type of thinking excites you, try the work of Lincoln Center Institute's philosopher-in residence, Maxine Greene. Her new book, Reflections on the Blue Guitar: The Lincoln Center Lectures, can inspire your own reflections and connections. Enjoy!

I am an artist!
ONE OF MY TEACHERS READ THIS TO MY CLASS. IT MADE US ALL FEEL WE ARE ARTIST. IT REALLY INSPIRED ME TO CREATE. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I WANT TO BUY IT SO I MAY BE ABLE TO SHARE IT WITH MY FRIENDS. JUST IMAGE IF YOU SEE SHAPES IN THE CLOUDS YOU TOO CAN BE AN ARTIST LIKE ME!

"Taking time to smell the roses"
I am using this book, I am an Artist, as part of a homeschool curriculum for my four year old son. We have enjoyed it very much. I think the best thing about it is it really teaches a child the importance of noticing and appreciating this beautiful world we live in; that is, it tells us to "take time to smell the roses". The illustrations of nature in the book are wonderful and thought provoking, too. ... Read more

Book Description

From the Eiffel Tower to the Taj Mahal -- 50 man-made and natural structures from around the world are drawn here. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For the Artist who has never tried Illustration
I'm a landscape and still life artist who needed to create an SF or Fantasy style building or city. I didn't want to take the time to learn drafting. This book is for the beginner or advanced artist who wants a step by step, how-to for drawing accurate structures easily in a few minutes.

No complicated perspective drawings. Quickly draw famous buildings from around the world.

This is a great book for children too. No complicted directions.

A simple guide for creating any type of building you desire. The author makes it simple in as little as 3 easy steps. ... Read more