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Review(s)
"Written and
illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace with the assistance of Linda K.
Friedlaender,
Look! Look!
Look!,
is the creative and
original tale of three mice (Kiki, Alexander and Kat), and their fun exploration
into the world of fine art. Following the three mice as they create their own
version of a postcard featuring the elegant and detailed portrait painting of
Lady Clopton,
Look! Look!
Look!
captivates its young
readers with a fun and inventive collection of art appreciation ideas and
concepts throughout. Indeed, children are encouraged at one point to make their
own work of art using the principles the mice have been discovering and
conveying in their own efforts to observe all the details a work of art. An
unusual and strongly commended addition to family, school, and community
picturebook collections for children ages 5 to 8,
Look! Look!
Look!
is enthusiastically
recommended for artistic young readers as a picturebook tale of interest,
information, and ideas."
"Of the growing
number of picture books that attempt to instill art appreciation in a young
audience, this title stands out for its charm, usefulness, and age
appropriateness. Three mice find a postcard with a painting of a bejeweled lady
on the front (a reproduction of
Portrait of
a Woman,
by Robert Peake). As
they look, they begin to see patterns, colors, lines, and shapes. Their
observations lead them to create their own art out of simple shapes made with
paper, scissors, and markers. A project at the end provides step-by-step
instructions for making a self-portrait postcard. Wallace’s collage
illustrations of the appealing and engaging mice are a fine contrast to the
painting reproduction. A glossary of key words, highlighted in red in the text,
is included. Deceptively simple, this eye-opening, fresh look at art education
offers good opportunities for classroom exercises."
"This adorable and
informative look at a mouse family that "borrows" a postcard depicting
a famous painting is a winning choice. The mice carefully study the portrait,
examining each part and analyzing what they see—patterns, colors, lines,
shapes, etc. They not only enjoy and appreciate what they learn, but they also
individually and collectively decide that they can compose their very own
pictures as they now know so much about these artistic elements. This delightful
lesson comes to a rather abrupt finale when the humans return home. Wallace and
Friedlaender have assembled a charming foray into the world of art, complete
with a helpful glossary and lessons on how to make a self-portrait. This is not
only an amusing, creative story, but also an adventure into art that encourages
originality while inspiring creativity. Great for libraries and elementary art
instructors."
