Amazon.com

In the classic tradition of E.L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, debut author Blue Balliett introduces readers to another pair of precocious kids on an artful quest full of patterns, puzzles, and the power of blue M&Ms.Eleven year old Petra and Calder may be in the same sixth grade class, but they barely know each other. It’s only after a near collision during a museum field trip that they discover their shared worship of art, their teacher Ms. Hussey, and the blue candy that doesn’t melt in your hands.Their burgeoning friendship is strengthened when a creative thief steals a valuable Vermeer painting en route to Chicago, their home town. When the thief leaves a trail of public clues via the newspaper, Petra and Calder decide to try and recover the painting themselves. But tracking down the Vermeer isn’t easy, as Calder and Petra try to figure out what a set of pentominos (mathematical puzzle pieces), a mysterious book about unexplainable phenomena and a suddenly very nervous Ms. Hussey have to do with a centuries old artwork.When the thief ups the ante by declaring that he or she may very well destroy the painting, the two friends know they have to make the pieces of the puzzle fit before it’s too late!

Already being heralded as The DaVinci Code for kids, Chasing Vermeer will have middle grade readers scrutinizing art books as they try to solve the mystery along with Calder and Petra. In an added bonus, artist Brett Helquist has also hidden a secret pentomino message in several of the book’s illustrations for readers to decode. An auspicious and wonderfully satisfying debut that will leave no young detective clueless. --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence
Eleven-year-olds Calder Pilsay and Petra Andalee live three houses away from each other on a narrow street in Chicago's Hyde Park area. They are both unusually intelligent, Petra the sort of quirkily interesting kid whom others in her class consequently label as "weird," while Calder excels at patterning. He fidgets incessantly with the set of pentominoes he keeps with him at all times, fitting the Tetris-like shapes together to form rectangles of varying sizes. Both Calder and Petra, too, are unusually receptive to the idea that is a theme of this book, that apparent coincidences are not always coincidental. When the coincidences and various unexplained phenomena in their own lives begin piling up--many of them connected with the painter Vermeer--Calder and Petra come to believe that a particular Vermeer painting will be stolen. When it is, they believe themselves peculiarly suited to finding it.

While observing and recording suspicious activity in their own neighborhood, Calder and Petra put their considerable talents to use investigating the theft of the painting and tracking it down. The problem is, it's not intellect alone that they apply to the task: Calder believes that his pentominoes give him hints, while Petra finds herself communicating with the subject of the missing Vermeer painting. Led forward thus by their supernatural helpmates, Calder and Petra make implausible mental leaps that, for this reader at least, make suspension of disbelief impossible.

Though its plot is a disappointment, and it never packs any true suspense, Chasing Vermeer has much to recommend it: likeable characters, some nice writing, Brett Helquist's drawings, and the use of codes in the book, based on Calder's pentominoes. The story may also get kids thinking more about art, as the author surely intended. The inclusion of reprints of two of Vermeer's paintings is a nice touch.

Debra Hamel -- book-blog.com

Good story
"Chasing Vermeer" is a good story-- very interesting with a compelling mystery and likable characters.I would love to see Petra and Calder, the two protagonists in more books-- they're very bright and persistent kids.And the writing is very strong.There's lots of interesting stuff about Vermeer, pentominos, the meaning of art, and the role of creativity in our educational system; despite all that, my 6 year old niece really enjoyed the book (and I enjoyed reading it to her.)

I do have a couple of complaints-- one, the book often seems like an ad for a pentomino company, and two, the plot relies to much on the kids' intuition to solve the mystery.Like I said, Petra and Calder are very resourceful; they could have solved the mystery using more logic and investigative techniques, but too often the plot twists revolve around something like, "Hey, the word 'snake' just popped into my head, must be a clue..."

Fortunately, the book is strong enough overall to surmount such shortcomings.Definitely worth the read, and hopefully there will be sequels.

P.S.Always, Brett Helquist's illustrations are wonderful.

Really Good Ending and Content
I think that Chasing Vermeer was kind of boring at first, but the ending was so breath-taking, I couldn't put the book down.My favorite part is that it include a lot of different content along with the story; like Math (pentominos), Art (A Lady Wrting), History (Vermeer), and cool codes you can uncover.If it wasn't for these contents, good ending, and desription, this book would be a snor fest.

Eliana's Book Review, By Eliana age 10
Dear readers,

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett is one of the best books I have read. The author had to have a lot of skill write this book. It probably took a long time to think of the main characters Calder and Petra. Calder and Petra both help solve an art mystery that is centuries old. I think Blue Balliett is a great author. The illustrator is great at drawing, too. I think the author should make a series of these books like the Hardy Boys. This book has a lot of interesting facts and clues; it is very amusing. It could have a little more about the thief, but otherwise it was good. At the beginning it was a little boring, but then it got good because you started to find more clues and coincidences. This book teaches you a lot of new things and words. For example, before I read this book I did not know what pentominoes were, now I know what they are. I recommend this book to mystery lovers.

Jordan's Book Review on Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer was okay, but it took my reading group a long time to get to the climax. This book is about two kids who are 12 years old and who solve an art crime. The characters are Petra and Calder. The characters also figure out some wacky things like pentominoes and strange puzzles. Also, there are a lot of things happening in this book so be careful reading it. This book has a lot of clues and turns. I am going to give you a heads up the author will get you to think out of the box .I felt like the author didn't give me enough information to solve the art crime. That is why I gave it 2 1/2 stars.
By Jordan, age 11 ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Wonderful, classic children's instruction book.
As a kid, I loved to draw, and I loved this book! The author provides simple, step-by-step pictorial guidelines easy enough for young children to follow: if they can read the instructions, they can draw the animals in the book. At each step, there is a basic instruction such as "make a green triangle" or "add two squiggly lines." The instructions are accompanied by both a drawing of whatever it is to be added and a drawing of the animal-in-progress as a whole. Not only is this book fun for children, it's great for book reports and other school projects. Even adults will appreciate the ease at which this book helps them to produce realistic-looking animals while also enjoying the author's humorous style. This favorite book of childhood has become a cherished adult possession.

This is a wonderful book!
I remember owning and using this book constantly when I was a kid. I recently got it for my two young ones and now they are drawing all the time! They would get so frustrated when they couldn't make something look like it was supposed to, but with this book it is easy and teaches them about using basic shapes to draw anything. It is so easy to follow, my two are both five and are doing great! Looking forward to getting some more of his books for my kids to use and enjoy.

A Champion of Creativity
Those wretched art classes to which we were all subjected as children left me in daily agony - and of course wouldn't my older sister just have to be a spectacularly gifted artist. My mother took pity on my suffering and bought me this wonderful book when I was six. It was a balm to my artistic handicap and an immeasurable boost to my confidence when I finally drew the dragon! Looking back now, I believe that Mr. Emberley's books would benefit any child, whether naturally artistic or crying over watercolor class. In an era when children's imaginations are saturated with Disney and TV cartoon notions of art, Mr. Emberley can give them simple tools with which to carve a path back to their own creativity.

Excellent book that kids will love
I too loved this book as a kid, as opposed to other art books, this is easy to follow. I was imersed in every one of his art books and my greatest accomplishment in the 2nd grade was drawing that dragon! It took hours.

Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Emberley's dedication of this book reads "For the boy I was, the book I could not find". I could not find a better description of this book if I tried! My six year old son longed for art books that would teach him how to draw. This book more than satisfied that longing. Emberley's animals are fanciful, fun and easy to draw. I have just ordered two more of his books. We can't wait to get out the colored pencils and start drawing! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Twelve year old Margaret Rose Kane is incorrigible. Not only does she refuse to bend to the will of her manipulative cabin mates at Camp Talequa, she stands up to and inadvertently insults the camp director and Queen-in-residence, Mrs. Kaplan. The intimidating and cruel confrontations that threaten to break Margaret's spririt only serve to strengthen her resolve, and everyone is happy when Margaret is finally banished/rescued from Camp Talequa. Luckily for her, with her parents in Peru, this means she can spend the rest of the summer with her delightfully eccentric Hungarian great-uncles, Alexander and Morris Rose. Margaret adores her great-uncles, and loves the house at 19 Schuyler Place--especially the three peculiar clock towers (tall painted structures covered in pendants made from broken china, crystal, bottles, jars, and clock parts) that the Rose brothers have been building for as long as she can remember. For Margaret and the Rose brothers, the towers represent beauty for beauty's sake--they sparkle in the sun and sing in the wind--they exist only to spread joy. Not everyone loves the towers however, and forty-five years after the birth of the project, the city council declares the towers "unsafe," and demands that they be dismantled and destroyed. Filled with the same fiery resolve that helped her survive Camp Talequa, Margaret (with the help of a handyman named Jake, a loyal dog named Tartufo, and few other unexpected allies) launches a plan to save the towers in the name of art, history, and beauty.

A companion novel to the award-winning author's acclaimed Silent to the Bone, Outcasts is strikingly unique, incredibly interesting, and, with references to"Bartleby the Scrivener", and the rose windows of Notre Dame, exceptionally literary. In other words, The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place is vintage Konigsburg. This quirky masterpiece will be enjoyed by young fans of Konigsburg’s other erudite works, and Polly Horvath’s The Canning Season.. (Ages 10 and older) ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konisburg
The story is told from the point of view of twelve year old Margaret Rose. She is an unlikely heroine for preserving a "piece of history" in the form of Two Towers that her Uncles have been working on for the past 45 years. The two uncles that Margaret stays with every summer are delightfully eccentric characters that every reader will enjoy. In attempting to preserving not only her family history but that of the of the cityscape as well, Margaret takes on city hall as well as challenging what defines art. It is the story of not only of Margaret's ingenuity, but that of the cyclical nature of urban landscape as small towns undergo development changes with, suburbs and malls and their effects on neighborhoods and individuality of the people who live in them. The ultimate gentrification of the old neighborhood where her uncles have lived for a number of years that threatens the very identity of the neighborhood and the things which it seeks to preserve are at the heart of this book. This book is at once thought provoking and humorous and is sure to delight readers ages 12 & up.

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
The story is told from the point of view of twelve year old Margaret Rose. she is an unlikely heroine for preserving a "piece of history" in the form of the Two Towers that her uncles have been working on for the past 45 years. The two uncles that Margaret stays with every summer are delightfully ecentric chatacters that every reader will enjoy. In attempting to preserve not only her family history but that of the cityscape as well, Margaret takes on city hall as well as challenging what defines art. It is the story of not only Margaret's ingenuity, but that of the cyclical nature of urban landscape as small towns undergo developmental changes such as suburbs and malls, and there effects on neighborhoods and the individuality of the people who live in them. The ultimate gentrification of the old neighborhood where her uncles have lived for a number of years that threatens the very identity of the neighborhood and the things which it seeks to preserve are at the heart of this book. This book is at once both thought provoking and humorous and is sure to delight readers ages 12 & up.

AMAZING!
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler PLace is one book that everyone should read! It is a very good page-turner for any girl 10-99.

The Outcasts of Schuyler Place is abouta girl named Margaret Kane who, after an unsatisfying time at Camp Telequa, goes to spend her summer with her two uncles at 19 Schuyler Place. Her uncles have been building 3 very unique towers for over 45 years and Margaret loves them. When Margaret finds out they are to be demolished she acts to save the towers. Can she go against the Homeowners Association and save the towers or not? Read to find out!

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place is a very good book with a satisfying ending that I enjoyed reading very much!

The dynamics and consequences of civil disobedience.
THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE is the follow-up to SILENT TO THE BONE by two-time Newbery Medal-winning author E.L. Konigsburg. Margaret Rose Kane tells the story of the summer when she was twelve, the same year that Sally Ride became the first American woman in space and Cabbage Patch dolls were popular toys.

Margaret is sent to summer camp while her parents travel in Peru. Shunned by the other campers, she decides to stop participating in camp activities. When asked why she won't participate, she quotes Herman Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener, "I prefer not to." It is her uncles who must come to her rescue while her parents are away.

Margaret expects to have an idyllic summer with her uncles. She looks forward to helping them with the three scrap metal towers they have spent the past 45 years building in their backyard. It is only by chance that she discovers what her parents and her uncles have been hiding from her: the towers are scheduled for demolition.

Gathering a disparate group of adults who have an interest in the towers, Margaret organizes a campaign to save the towers and learns about the history of the neighborhood her uncles have inhabited throughout the years. While the outcome is not exactly what readers might expect, Konigsburg explores the dynamics and consequences of civil disobedience, and what happens when a girl decides to start participating in life again.

A summer crush and a well-planned revenge are the book's major highlights. THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE may not have the same whimsy as THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER or the spirited competition of THE VIEW FROM SATURDAY, but it does share a theme common in all of Konigsburg's books: the self-reliance and resilience of young people facing the difficult task of becoming adults.

--- Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood

Multiple Shades of Passionate Rose
E.L. Koningsburg has written another beautiful book. Margaret Rose Kane is truly, as her despicable yet pitiable camp directer states, "incorrigable". In one never-to-be forgotten summer, Margaret Rose grows up. She learns, among other things, something about the changing nature of art and life and people themselves. While this is told in Ms. Koningsburg's trademark lovely prose, full of flashbacks and dialogue, I was a little disappointed in both the unsatisfactory ending and the overall story- which, though a great read, was not as pungent as Koningsburg's Newbery books ("The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" and "The View from Saturday"). My verdict: good, but not Great. ... Read more

Book Description

Crying in the checkout lane, squabbling with playmates over a new toy, or refusing to go to bed on time.Common Sense Parenting skills can help you handle these day-to-day challenges you face with your young child.Included in this book is: How to set reasonable expectations based on your child's age, development, and abilities.How to give your child all the nurturing, love, and praise he or she needs to thrive.How to use a parent's version of "show and tell" to both prevent problems and correct misbehavior.How to create plans for staying calm for you and your child. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

absolutely excellent
i just had to take the time to write this review to let people know how wonderful this book is. If you don't believe in yelling at or hitting your children, but you can't figure out what else to do, this is the book for you. I have a 4 year old and have been following this book's advice for about 6 months and it works every time. it worked right from the beginning. It made sense to me and fit my style of wanting to "teach" my daughter rather than scold and threaten. It gives you examples and step by step instructiions. It is not a book that you can just "flip through" to get answers to your questions. You have to "read" it all the way through because one section links to the other. But it reads easily and quickly like you are talking to someone who understands. You can read it in a day or two. My copy is highlighted and dog-eared all the way through. I can't say enough about this book. My daughter and I are BOTH happier and better "behaved". I hope the authors have written other books on the next age group and adolescents.

An expertly written "how to" manual
Collaboratively written by parenting experts Bridget A. Barnes and Steven M. York, Common Sense Parenting Of Toddlers And Preschoolers is a very practical and "parent friendly" guide to the raising young children. From setting reasonable expectations for young children; to teaching social skills and self-control; to turning daily and weekly routines into family traditions, to handling very practical issues such as toilet training, bedtime, and meals, Common Sense Parenting Of Toddlers And Preschoolers is an expertly written "how to" manual which is very highly recommended for parents and caretakers of children ages 2 through 5. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wonderful and diverse
This is a wonderful book for ways to spark an interest in both art as an activity and art history. I work with kids from ages 2 - 13 and this book has ideas that will work for most of that range. A variety of materials are suggested and the historical information helps bring perspective to the artists work, even for young minds. I highly recommend this for the home or school. I even bought one for my daughter's middle school art teacher for use at the school.

I just wish this book were in color !
As a former public school teacher, and now a homeschool parent, I can honestly say I've seen a great deal of art curriculum materials. This book stands hand and shoulders above the rest in terms of what it attempts to cover and the way it brings the great artistic styles into undestandable terms for children and their educators.

My only complaint (and what's kept me from giving this book 5 Stars) is that the black & white photocopies of pictures show so little detail of each artist. You really need to have a good full color guide to the world of art (showing at least one major work from each artist) to be able to use this curriculum effectively.

My hope is that the authors will consider this for future printings. If they do so, I think this will be the perfect art curriculum to teach both hands on art and art history.

Absolutely Fabulous
I have been looking for a new ways to teach children about art, and this book had all that I was looking for and then some. I am very impressed with the stress on the process over the finished product and the wonderfully creative approaches used to teaching children about art. A terrific book!

Worthwhile.
This wonderful book features just about any artist you can think of (most of which I've never even heard of!). It's divided into four chapters: Renaissance & Post-Renaiisance, Impressionists & Post-Impressionists, Expressionists...& Surrealists (say what?), Modern & Folk Art. Each page features a different artist, with a simple sketch of the artist, a brief biography, and several ideas on how to re-create that artist's style. The only gripe I have, which is the reason it didn't get 5 stars, is that there are not nearly enough reproductions of the artists' best work. Many pages show only a picture drawn or sketched by a student in the style of the artist, which I found extremely unhelpful. What would have been great is if the publishers would have included a postcard-size reproduction of the best known artists. I ended up having to buy several other books with postcard-size reproductions to use in class. This book will give you a lot of great ideas, but it's not overly functional.

Kids only? Rats.
I'm an adult and I can't wait to try these projects. Who says kids are the only ones that get to play and explore with art ideas? The Gaugin project looks brint and mysterious, and the Michelangelo painting on the underside of a table is a must do. So, let's have an art party and invite only people who like to have fun! (Besides, I'm to busy to learn about all these cool artists in big huge wordy adult books, and these great one- paragraph descriptions -- with a portrait sketch -- are perfect for me. Interesting too.) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Impressive, but lacking...
I personally feel that this book is for the established artist who knows his basic concepts in art. For the newbie, this might not be the one for you. The drawings within are definitely for those of a slightly higher level.

However, if you are looking to pratice your equine drawings, this is the way to go. The step-by-step drawings are easily to follow, and the guidelines at the beginning of the book serve as a reminder to improve on your drawing skills.

This is truly a good book for practice. If you need the basics, look somewhere else.

This book makes it so easy to draw good horses!
I love this book! I gives really easy instructions so you can draw really good horses, even if you couldn't before. It even tells you what kind of pencils and supplies you should have if you want to draw.

drawing
Makes it much easier for my daughter to draw her favorite animal...the horse of course!

great book!
We were very pleased with this book. The book gives simple yet accurate "how-to"s. A wonderful book.

great for beginners
This book really helps people who want to learn how to draw horses. It has good step by step illustrations of how to do it. ... Read more

Book Description

CD of Pictures at an Exhibition included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pictures at an Ehibition
A wonderful picture book which brings true story, art and music together I have ever read. They harmonize well. Reading this book with the accompanying Mussorgsky's music is one of my greatest enjoyment,especially when in late afternoon. I highly recommend this book to the students who now are learning art or music but do not have much time for reading. It is a good opportunity for them to get started from it and will bring in something for them. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good choice for very young children.
I gave this book to my 1-year-old niece about 6 months ago, and she absolutely loves it! She still has to read it at least once a night. She gets such a kick out of lifting the flaps to see what's hiding underneath. I highly recommend this book.

Never too early to add this title
I've read this book to my daughter since she was four months old. She really likes looking at the pictures and flaps. Other books, even classics like "The Runaway Bunny," have too many words to interest her, but this one has a very short, succinct story and great pictures.

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo
Tis the ultimate interactive story for the young 'uns. An unseen narrator (who we assume must be a child of some sort) narrates a tale of unprecedented zooish generosity. After asking the zoo for a pet, a series of animals are sent in the hope that the child will want them. Unfortunately (and as the book makes clear) many of animals one finds at the zoo are inappropriate pets. Each animal that arrives is hidden beneath a flap. When you lift the flap the children to whom you are reading this tale are supposed to delightedly cry out the name of that particular animal. In this way, you can teach kids the kinds of animals that live at the zoo. For the narrator, though, elephants are too big, lions too fierce, monkeys to naughty, and frogs too jumpy. In the end, the narrator receives a small hamper with the note, "From all your friends at the zoo" containing the perfect pet.

As an early book, this story and its accompanying illustrations are very very simple. I was a little disappointed at the flimsiness of the flaps children are supposed to lift or turn. The copy I paged through had been scotch taped and re-scotch taped several times to keep the book in any kind of semblance of order. It is also a pity that the animals in this book aren't named ever. I don't doubt that kids will, mostly, be able to name them anyway, but it's nice to learn to read the names along with the pictures of the animals. Still, the book is satisfying to read. No subtext here. Nuh-uh. Just a very basic story about a zoo, some friendly animals, and the reasons (or lack there of) of keeping them. For another interesting and enjoyable zoo book, try "Good Night, Gorilla" by Peggy Rathmann (a personal pet favorite of mine).

Two years to 200 years - A Favorite
I have six little ones from 10 to 2. They have all enjoyed this book and now the older ones read it to the younger one's. I found my two year old reading it to herself from memory. What a treasure!

Dear Zoo
My Daughter loves this book. She started reading it at twelve months and still enjoys the book ten months later. It is simple. The flaps open in different directions. ... Read more

Book Description

These original mandala designs by wholistic therapist MoniqueMandali appeal to both children and adults.Mandalas have beentraditionally used as a source of wisdom and meditation. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Engaging the Center
I purchased the whole series and look forward to coloring or painting them all. They are deeply engaging, neither too simple nor too complex; calling me into a calm center where hope and healing not only feel possible but just seem to happen. A very thoughtful and creative bonus from the author that I've not seen in other Mandala books is the wide perforated margin at the center binding in every book so you can actually remove and display your favorite mandalas afterwards. This rare feature also makes it especially friendly to those of us who are left-handers!!!

EVERYONE¿S MANDALA COLORING BOOK SERIES
Author, artist, transpersonal psychotherapist and business person all describe what Monique Mandali is, but do not tell you who she is. I've been privileged to meet Monique and I know that she is a seeker traveling her path. Her walking stick is her love for all, especially children. Ms. Mandali offers a series of four coloring books for children and adults. There are three different delights in the original Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book series, each consisting of 22 designs. While the original three books in the series contain designs by the author, the latest (and perhaps greatest) has 25 peace mandalas from children all around the world. The Peace Mandala Coloring Book is very special because the mandalas are designed by children unencumbered by the pressure of adult living. Further, they bring a variety of spiritual as well as geographical cultures to bear.

Monique Mandali has given us something special. Not only do we find drawings to color that can aid in health and serenity...Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book Series is additionally special because they represent the best part of Monique Mandali, her love!

Awesome designs; inspiring and peaceful to color and see.
All three volumes of these mandala coloring books are works of art, and at the same time simple invitations to create your own expressions of color and self. I have used them, given them to children and adults, used them in the work I do, and enjoyed seeing the finished products displayed. Monique's designs allow you to explore deeply what lies within, and also allows you to play with her designs. These books are truly what you make them, yet stand as a statement of Monique's unique artistic and spiritual beauty. Once you have seen and used them, you'll want to explore all of them, and share them with friends. A real "don't miss" for this time in our spiritual unfolding.

The ultimate in relaxation!
What a wonderful way to relax ... and to get the creativity within flowing! To be able to sit and feel the energy that has been created with coloring one of Monique's mandalas is a wonderful way to spend an evening ... by yourself or sharing it with friends!

My Favorite Coloring Book
I have been coloring the designs in this book since I was 5 years old and have never grown tired of them! (And trust me, I have a short attention span). Now, 20 years later, this book remains a favorite of mine, and I still occasionally have coloring parties with my friends. Everyone finds a design that speaks to them, and the results are very unique. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A good way to go...
It's an ok book. The drawings are a bit hard but if you just try, the results are great!

drawing horses book
This is a nice book, but
it does not give very
good instructions.

uh... okay i guess
This book was a little too brief. It showed good drawings of horses but it didn't break down the steps of drawing one like a good drawing book would. The materials they give you are great though. Hope you enjoy it.

O.K.
This book was not the best for me it made me want to draw but there was a problem it showed me but it just showed circles. I would recommened this book to people who have alot of calmness.

perfect
Great for any young horse lover, simple visual guide to drawing horses. My 10 year old was able to begin immediately just by following the illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

Crying in the checkout lane, squabbling with playmates over a new toy, or refusing to go to bed on time.Common Sense Parenting skills can help you handle these day-to-day challenges you face with your young child.Included in this book is: How to set reasonable expectations based on your child's age, development, and abilities.How to give your child all the nurturing, love, and praise he or she needs to thrive.How to use a parent's version of "show and tell" to both prevent problems and correct misbehavior.How to create plans for staying calm for you and your child. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

absolutely excellent
i just had to take the time to write this review to let people know how wonderful this book is. If you don't believe in yelling at or hitting your children, but you can't figure out what else to do, this is the book for you. I have a 4 year old and have been following this book's advice for about 6 months and it works every time. it worked right from the beginning. It made sense to me and fit my style of wanting to "teach" my daughter rather than scold and threaten. It gives you examples and step by step instructiions. It is not a book that you can just "flip through" to get answers to your questions. You have to "read" it all the way through because one section links to the other. But it reads easily and quickly like you are talking to someone who understands. You can read it in a day or two. My copy is highlighted and dog-eared all the way through. I can't say enough about this book. My daughter and I are BOTH happier and better "behaved". I hope the authors have written other books on the next age group and adolescents.

An expertly written "how to" manual
Collaboratively written by parenting experts Bridget A. Barnes and Steven M. York, Common Sense Parenting Of Toddlers And Preschoolers is a very practical and "parent friendly" guide to the raising young children. From setting reasonable expectations for young children; to teaching social skills and self-control; to turning daily and weekly routines into family traditions, to handling very practical issues such as toilet training, bedtime, and meals, Common Sense Parenting Of Toddlers And Preschoolers is an expertly written "how to" manual which is very highly recommended for parents and caretakers of children ages 2 through 5. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Little Hands
This is a very useful book for a parent who wants to work along her child. Activities are well explained and organized by supplies needed, so you won't have to browse through all the pages to find something appropriate for the supplies you have at home. Also, though not clearly stated, there are holiday activities. Older children, especially those younger than nine, will find this book useful. And, they should be able to follow thw instructions with very little help, if any.

More Crafts than Art. found here.
As an artist and parent who now teaches art to young children, I think this book has some cute craft ideas but is not the best introduction to art for children. I prefer Scribble Art by Mary Ann Kohl - it has a similar easy-to-read format with projects that can be adapted to almost any age, but Scribble Art involves more open-ended projects that allow for creativity and self-expression. Little Hands is more results oriented - for instance, if you want to make a quick turtle using a plastic bowl, this book will show you how. Many of projects involve a specific end result - a representational image of a pumpkin or porcupine. Granted, there are times for this; however, I prefer an approach to allows children to create their own subject matter, or explore freely within a given material or technique.

Excellent book for daycare providers or at-home moms!
This book not only provides awesome project ideas, but also shows how to make it simpler or more complex based on age AND provides other ideas and/or book suggestions to go along with the project. It takes a the idea of doing a project with your littles ones to a whole new level. An excellent source for daycare providers, stay-at-home moms, and home schoolers!

By far the best home arts & crafts book for preschoolers
After being disappointed repeatedly by other books of this type, I was lucky enough to find this one. Nothing compares with it in terms of simplicity, creative fun, easy instructions, excellent illustrations, availability of materials at home, variety. My 3 and 4-year olds' favorite afternoon activity is to flip thru the pages and pick out a project - and they are always delighted by the results. My favorite gift to other mothers of preschoolers. Only one word of advise - the clay recipes are not the best - in particular the play dough one - but it's common enough to find elsewhere. If you're going to buy one book in this category, I couldn't recommend this one more. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wonderful and diverse
This is a wonderful book for ways to spark an interest in both art as an activity and art history. I work with kids from ages 2 - 13 and this book has ideas that will work for most of that range. A variety of materials are suggested and the historical information helps bring perspective to the artists work, even for young minds. I highly recommend this for the home or school. I even bought one for my daughter's middle school art teacher for use at the school.

I just wish this book were in color !
As a former public school teacher, and now a homeschool parent, I can honestly say I've seen a great deal of art curriculum materials. This book stands hand and shoulders above the rest in terms of what it attempts to cover and the way it brings the great artistic styles into undestandable terms for children and their educators.

My only complaint (and what's kept me from giving this book 5 Stars) is that the black & white photocopies of pictures show so little detail of each artist. You really need to have a good full color guide to the world of art (showing at least one major work from each artist) to be able to use this curriculum effectively.

My hope is that the authors will consider this for future printings. If they do so, I think this will be the perfect art curriculum to teach both hands on art and art history.

Absolutely Fabulous
I have been looking for a new ways to teach children about art, and this book had all that I was looking for and then some. I am very impressed with the stress on the process over the finished product and the wonderfully creative approaches used to teaching children about art. A terrific book!

Worthwhile.
This wonderful book features just about any artist you can think of (most of which I've never even heard of!). It's divided into four chapters: Renaissance & Post-Renaiisance, Impressionists & Post-Impressionists, Expressionists...& Surrealists (say what?), Modern & Folk Art. Each page features a different artist, with a simple sketch of the artist, a brief biography, and several ideas on how to re-create that artist's style. The only gripe I have, which is the reason it didn't get 5 stars, is that there are not nearly enough reproductions of the artists' best work. Many pages show only a picture drawn or sketched by a student in the style of the artist, which I found extremely unhelpful. What would have been great is if the publishers would have included a postcard-size reproduction of the best known artists. I ended up having to buy several other books with postcard-size reproductions to use in class. This book will give you a lot of great ideas, but it's not overly functional.

Kids only? Rats.
I'm an adult and I can't wait to try these projects. Who says kids are the only ones that get to play and explore with art ideas? The Gaugin project looks brint and mysterious, and the Michelangelo painting on the underside of a table is a must do. So, let's have an art party and invite only people who like to have fun! (Besides, I'm to busy to learn about all these cool artists in big huge wordy adult books, and these great one- paragraph descriptions -- with a portrait sketch -- are perfect for me. Interesting too.) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Impressive, but lacking...
I personally feel that this book is for the established artist who knows his basic concepts in art. For the newbie, this might not be the one for you. The drawings within are definitely for those of a slightly higher level.

However, if you are looking to pratice your equine drawings, this is the way to go. The step-by-step drawings are easily to follow, and the guidelines at the beginning of the book serve as a reminder to improve on your drawing skills.

This is truly a good book for practice. If you need the basics, look somewhere else.

This book makes it so easy to draw good horses!
I love this book! I gives really easy instructions so you can draw really good horses, even if you couldn't before. It even tells you what kind of pencils and supplies you should have if you want to draw.

drawing
Makes it much easier for my daughter to draw her favorite animal...the horse of course!

great book!
We were very pleased with this book. The book gives simple yet accurate "how-to"s. A wonderful book.

great for beginners
This book really helps people who want to learn how to draw horses. It has good step by step illustrations of how to do it. ... Read more

Book Description

Using more than 100 illustrations from 20 Caldecott Medal or Honor books, this delightful resource provides teachers with all the tools necessary for teaching art. Classroom teachers will find that the explanations of artistic elements and principles of design, as well as examples and project directions, provide everything a busy teacher needs. Complete with bibliographies and lists of related fine art, this curriculum also relates the projects to the Core Knowledge Sequence Content Guidelines for Grades K-5. Teaching Art with Books Kids Love is an invaluable resource for teachers required to teach art and art instructors looking for fresh ideas. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great resourse for Primary Grades
A great resource for learning how art is put together and different types of is Teaching Art With Books Kids Love. It is an easy read for the educator. Each chapter has projects for helping children understand the concept as well as recommendations for children books to see the idea in action.

The book begins with the elements of art such as line, shapes, texture and so on, followed by the principles of art like harmony, balance, movement ... and finally to artistic styles such as realism, impressionism, etc.

Art and Literacy at its best!!
Great connections of art and literacy. I highly recommend this book for art educators!!

teaching kids art with style
Teaching Art with Books Kids Love presents the elements of art in a way that engages students and is clear enough for the 'artistically challenged' classroom teacher to follow! The project directions and examples are excellent. This is a great find for teachers who want to present a quality art program.

Teaching Art with Style
Teaching Art with Books Kids Love presents the elements of art in a way that engages students and is clear enough for the 'artistically challenged' classroom teacher to follow! The project directions and examples are excellent. This is a great find for teachers who want to present a quality art program.

This author walks her talk
Not only is this an excellent way to bring art and literature together in the classroom, but the author proves each day how well her strategies work. I am a colleague of Darcie Frohardt and see the amazing results she gets from children every day. This book is for "all" teachers (not just art teachers), and the books she teaches from are readily available in your school library. In fact, you'll probably own most of them yourself. In a time when the arts are being threatened by the standardization of education, Darcie's book is a shining light. Go ahead, give it a try. You will be glad you did. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good choice for very young children.
I gave this book to my 1-year-old niece about 6 months ago, and she absolutely loves it! She still has to read it at least once a night. She gets such a kick out of lifting the flaps to see what's hiding underneath. I highly recommend this book.

Never too early to add this title
I've read this book to my daughter since she was four months old. She really likes looking at the pictures and flaps. Other books, even classics like "The Runaway Bunny," have too many words to interest her, but this one has a very short, succinct story and great pictures.

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo
Tis the ultimate interactive story for the young 'uns. An unseen narrator (who we assume must be a child of some sort) narrates a tale of unprecedented zooish generosity. After asking the zoo for a pet, a series of animals are sent in the hope that the child will want them. Unfortunately (and as the book makes clear) many of animals one finds at the zoo are inappropriate pets. Each animal that arrives is hidden beneath a flap. When you lift the flap the children to whom you are reading this tale are supposed to delightedly cry out the name of that particular animal. In this way, you can teach kids the kinds of animals that live at the zoo. For the narrator, though, elephants are too big, lions too fierce, monkeys to naughty, and frogs too jumpy. In the end, the narrator receives a small hamper with the note, "From all your friends at the zoo" containing the perfect pet.

As an early book, this story and its accompanying illustrations are very very simple. I was a little disappointed at the flimsiness of the flaps children are supposed to lift or turn. The copy I paged through had been scotch taped and re-scotch taped several times to keep the book in any kind of semblance of order. It is also a pity that the animals in this book aren't named ever. I don't doubt that kids will, mostly, be able to name them anyway, but it's nice to learn to read the names along with the pictures of the animals. Still, the book is satisfying to read. No subtext here. Nuh-uh. Just a very basic story about a zoo, some friendly animals, and the reasons (or lack there of) of keeping them. For another interesting and enjoyable zoo book, try "Good Night, Gorilla" by Peggy Rathmann (a personal pet favorite of mine).

Two years to 200 years - A Favorite
I have six little ones from 10 to 2. They have all enjoyed this book and now the older ones read it to the younger one's. I found my two year old reading it to herself from memory. What a treasure!

Dear Zoo
My Daughter loves this book. She started reading it at twelve months and still enjoys the book ten months later. It is simple. The flaps open in different directions. ... Read more

Book Description

These original mandala designs by wholistic therapist MoniqueMandali appeal to both children and adults.Mandalas have beentraditionally used as a source of wisdom and meditation. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Engaging the Center
I purchased the whole series and look forward to coloring or painting them all. They are deeply engaging, neither too simple nor too complex; calling me into a calm center where hope and healing not only feel possible but just seem to happen. A very thoughtful and creative bonus from the author that I've not seen in other Mandala books is the wide perforated margin at the center binding in every book so you can actually remove and display your favorite mandalas afterwards. This rare feature also makes it especially friendly to those of us who are left-handers!!!

EVERYONE¿S MANDALA COLORING BOOK SERIES
Author, artist, transpersonal psychotherapist and business person all describe what Monique Mandali is, but do not tell you who she is. I've been privileged to meet Monique and I know that she is a seeker traveling her path. Her walking stick is her love for all, especially children. Ms. Mandali offers a series of four coloring books for children and adults. There are three different delights in the original Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book series, each consisting of 22 designs. While the original three books in the series contain designs by the author, the latest (and perhaps greatest) has 25 peace mandalas from children all around the world. The Peace Mandala Coloring Book is very special because the mandalas are designed by children unencumbered by the pressure of adult living. Further, they bring a variety of spiritual as well as geographical cultures to bear.

Monique Mandali has given us something special. Not only do we find drawings to color that can aid in health and serenity...Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book Series is additionally special because they represent the best part of Monique Mandali, her love!

Awesome designs; inspiring and peaceful to color and see.
All three volumes of these mandala coloring books are works of art, and at the same time simple invitations to create your own expressions of color and self. I have used them, given them to children and adults, used them in the work I do, and enjoyed seeing the finished products displayed. Monique's designs allow you to explore deeply what lies within, and also allows you to play with her designs. These books are truly what you make them, yet stand as a statement of Monique's unique artistic and spiritual beauty. Once you have seen and used them, you'll want to explore all of them, and share them with friends. A real "don't miss" for this time in our spiritual unfolding.

The ultimate in relaxation!
What a wonderful way to relax ... and to get the creativity within flowing! To be able to sit and feel the energy that has been created with coloring one of Monique's mandalas is a wonderful way to spend an evening ... by yourself or sharing it with friends!

My Favorite Coloring Book
I have been coloring the designs in this book since I was 5 years old and have never grown tired of them! (And trust me, I have a short attention span). Now, 20 years later, this book remains a favorite of mine, and I still occasionally have coloring parties with my friends. Everyone finds a design that speaks to them, and the results are very unique. ... Read more

Book Description

CD of Pictures at an Exhibition included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pictures at an Ehibition
A wonderful picture book which brings true story, art and music together I have ever read. They harmonize well. Reading this book with the accompanying Mussorgsky's music is one of my greatest enjoyment,especially when in late afternoon. I highly recommend this book to the students who now are learning art or music but do not have much time for reading. It is a good opportunity for them to get started from it and will bring in something for them. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A newly repackaged edition of the first book in a series that has sold more than 600,000 copies

A favorite of parents, educators, and therapists since it was first published in 1978, more than 200,000 copies of this first volume from the "draw-from-your-imagination" books have been sold around the world.Praised as "extraordinary, revolutionary" (Newsweek), "imaginative" (The Christian Science Monitor), and "great stuff" (Detroit Free Press), this innovative series has continued to spark the creative impulses in children for years.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

Fond memories from 2nd grade
After recess every day we would be given a page from the Anti Coloring book and allowed to draw to our hearts content for half an hour. It was one of my favorite times of the day.

Two thumbs up, most definitely!!
As a parent and former early childhood educator, I am pleased to write this review. In a day and age when entertainment does not require much thought process from our young ones (i.e. video games, pointless television shows, computer software, etc.), it is very refreshing to stumble upon the Anti-Coloring Book. Our children are exposed to endless amounts of effort-free fun stuff; and ultimately, young minds become lazy, trained, and forgetful of the power of imagination. How can you say no to a product that fosters developmentally appropriate learning, and promotes self awareness, self confidence, self expression, and independent thinking?? Help your child to break free from the lines and boundaries that hold them back. Kudos to the creators... it's time to get real about our children's needs!

I grew up with Anti-Coloring Books
I still remember some of the specific pages I created in my Anti-Coloring Books almost 20 years ago! I had 4 or 5 different books and loved them all. These books encourage creativity, empowering kids to draw and think "outside the lines." I look forward to giving these books to my nieces, nephews, and children in the near future and are thrilled to learn that they're still available.

Fantastic! Creative, engaging, utterly absorbing...
These books are extraordinary for building a child's ego and self-confidence. The books are structured so that the child's imagination and the child's opinions about life are in the spotlight. The anti-coloring books make kids feel good! They are books that actually manage to give kids the attention they need - rather than demanding attention from the kid. The anti-coloring books continually ask questions about the child, her thoughts, her feelings, her visions. They are brilliant mechanisms for encouraging confidence and creativity. From a parent's perspective, the finished books become a window onto the emotional and psychological landscape of your children. What do they really think? What makes them angry? What are they wishing for? I highly recommend any of the anti-coloring books for children of all ages. Mom and Dad should try them too!

creative, and intelligent
I was given this book as a little girl. As an adult I am purchasing this book to share with my students. So much better than your average coloring bok, this book is thought invoking and inspires creativity in all ages. ... Read more