Reading in the Art Studio

Architecture According to Pigeons by Speck Lee Tailfeather – In an attempt to shine a positive light on his oft-maligned species, pigeon Speck Lee Tailfeather collaborates with Phaidon Press to create a book about architecture. There’s even a table of contents with the pigeon names of famous world architecture listed first (of course). With wit and humor, Speck takes readers on a journey around the world. Natsko Seki’s mixed media/digital collage illustrations fit the artsy, humorous tone of this book. It is an excellent book for adults and children to sit down and explore together; there are so many little details to see and facts to learn.

Focus: Found Faces, Your World, Your Images -Senior Editor Nicole McConville – This chunky and compact art and photobook is the third in the Focus series and is about “finding faces in very unexpected places.” The layout of this photobook is very straightforward; photograph, photographer’s name, title of work (if applicable) and a few words about the piece. The book’s simple design is very approachable, can encourage discussion and should inspire young readers to find faces in their own surroundings. I was drawn to this book because I’ve noticed faces in nature and objects all of my life. A neat little book!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle – Ahhh, a tried and true classic in the Art Studio is bound to attract excited little readers. Eric Carle’s dynamic paper collage illustrations (set against stark, contrasting backgrounds) are eye-catching and take up the entire spread (perfect for holding up as a read-aloud). Bill Martin Jr.’s repetitive, catchy and rhythmic words teach colors and animals. The rhythmic structure of the text helps children anticipate the animal coming on the next page. Martin and Carle end the book by breaking the fourth wall, encouraging young readers to realize their place in the narrative experience and reflect on all they’ve learned. It is a brilliant book with striking illustrations that fits right into a children’s museum art studio.

La Catrina: Emotions – Emociones: A bilingual book of emotions by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein – All of the text in the Madison Children’s Museum is in English and Spanish, so it’s fitting that the book collections also feature Spanish language titles. Lil’ Libros’ board books are very unique and gorgeous. This one is inspired by cultural elements of Dia de Muertos or “Day of the Dead,” in particular La Catrina. The format is simple; the left side of the book highlights an emotion-word in English and Spanish, set on a papel-picado-esque background and the other side features illustrator Ariana Stein’s cute skeletons acting out the emotion. This board book is bright, whimsical and sturdy for little hands.

A Guide to Looking at Art: Faces, Places and Inner Spaces by Jean Sousa – This informational book is special because it was published as a project between Abrams Books for Young Readers and The Art Institute of Chicago! The point of this book is to encourage readers to think about their connections to objects and works of art, and how these items can be categorized; are they faces, places, inner spaces or a mix of all three? Many ethnically and culturally diverse pieces of art and artists across centuries of art are highlighted here, which is refreshing to see. The text’s conversational tone is also plus. Sousa asks readers many thoughtful questions and makes connections between pieces of art, while also providing short and effective biographies of artists and descriptions of their work. This book does a great job of making art feel approachable, relevant and inviting for youth.

The Shape of the World: A Portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright by K.L. Going & Lauren Stringer – Did you know that Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Wisconsin? The Madison Children’s Museum, until recently, featured an exhibit (From Coops to Cathedrals) inspired by the architect’s life and work. This biographical picture book tells the story of Frank Lloyd Wright’s life, as he grew from a baby with blocks, to a farm boy obsessed with shapes in nature, to an architect who used light, shapes, forms, and natural elements in his architectural design. Going’s text is fluid and sparse, yet compliments Stringer’s folk-artsy style of illustration perfectly. This book’s back matter is also very informative and excellent.