MaryAnn F KohlStorybook Art: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of 100 Great Picture Book Illustrators (5) (Bright Ideas for Learning)

"Storybook Art" is one of those keepers that can be used over and over again. And not necessarily for the art projects!As a retired English teacher and current children's librarian, I have held thousands and thousands of books in my hands. This book ranks up there in the very top echelon of most organized books. In fact, the lay-out of illustrators and organization of information is just incredible.But first, what this book is all about is the creation of art that goes beyond the book itself (on which the art is based) to show children (adults?) just how the illustrator/writer created the artwork so integral to the story. In other words this book contains "over 100 companion art activities matched to children's favorite picture books" (6).Some examples:Scratch board art based on Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are," a must-read classic.Illustrated music--Nancy Winslow Parker's art in "Oh, a Hunting We Will Go"Tankas to go with Faith Ringgold's "Tar Beach"Friendship Stick (a likely to-be-treasured keeper) based on the classic "May I Bring a Friend" by Beatrice Schenk De RegniersColor Outline--Molly Bang's "When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry"The variety of art projects is almost mind-bogling, just as the illustrations on which they are based.Now the amazing organization. The art is group into four broad categories for projects: paint, draw, cut/collage, and craft/construction with artists in each presented alphabetically. The Chart of Contents in the front of the book provides this information. Also included is the birth dates of each illustrator. Just as teachers have little parties for each child as his/her birthday arrives, so too can the class recognize the illustrator's birthday (which many teachers already do for authors).However, it is Chapter 5: Resource Guide and Index, which is so fabulous. Here is what the reader will find:Author/Illustrator Information and Biographic WebsitesPublisher WebsitesResource Books--Illustrators and Authors or Picture Books (just a short but handy list)Illustrator Websites (worth the price of the book!!!)Picture Book Publishers and ISBN numbers of books in this volumeQuotes and Cites (a quote is used by each illustrator--this shows its source)Picture Book AwardsIllustrator IndexAuthor IndexPicture Book IndexArt Activity IndexEasy IndexArt Activity--Page Order IndexStorybook Art Illustrators Hall of Fame (with thumbnail photos)Bright Ideas Bookshelf (other titles in this series of books about art across the curriculum)What a dazzling array of books, illustrations, artists, writers, publishers, art activities. Oh my!

This is a very good book if you don't have any ideas to connect the artist style with the book you are using - for an art project idea. You can find a similar book to use here and then copy the idea presented. When I purchased this book I thought it was going to be different. I had a particular goal I wanted to accomplish in my art class that I'm going to lead. But this book didn't supply me with what I wanted. I think it's a good book don't get me wrong; it's just it didn't help me in what I was looking for.

We are using this book in our homeschooling. My two are in grades 4th & 5th and this year I really wanted to just expand on their knowledge of art. Not just study art, but DO art. This book is perfect for that! We’ve been getting the book they talk about and look through the art and then do the same style with our own images. I really like that it’s expanding the kids’ knowledge of what they can do with the various things. There’s probably enough lessons here to last at least two years. Easy-to-follow instructions. Most projects need basic art supplies. :)

Good variety of illustrators included but I didn’t realize this book is black and white. It’s very difficult to get the full effect of suggested projects when only black and white illustrations are provided. Returning.

I have used this for my homeschooling my younger children. We have enjoyed all the projects we have done. The recommended books are great, and the art projects that go along with them are educational and fun. No complaints.

I gave this to my son's teacher; it helps with creative ideas when you are out of them. I really was impressed with how projects are broken down by what is hard, lengthy and for what age. It also gives you a list of items you will need to start and complete the projects, it is helpful so teachers can get parents to help collect the items from home.

This book has great art/craft activities for early elementary and older. It's great as a homeschooling art curriculum - just choose an illustrator, get the storybook from the library, and follow the activity directions. A great way to introduce kids to a variety of media, styles, and techniques. Directions are simple, and activities are well planned.

I haven't tried doing the activities with my grandchildren yet, but I have about 20 book marks in the book of things that I want to try when I get the supplies together. The activities in the book are marked for age appropriate and for easy to complex.Looks like fun!