Book Review~Science and Art

I have two new children's books to recommend. Both are good stories but the main reason I enjoyed them are the illustrations. A picture book's illustrations can make it or break it and these certainly bring the books to a higher level! These will definitely be on my "Books to Read for ..." list. I keep a binder for Science and History ideas and keep book lists as I come across quality children's books.

The first is Water Dance by Thomas Locker. Mr. Locker's oil on canvas illustrations are the basis for this book. Scientific information was written by Candace Christiansen. This is an interesting science based book that follows the water cycle with beautiful land and seascape paintings. This would be a great extra when your child is studying water or atmosphere. While the text is brief in the body of the book, there is a four page section in the back that shows each illustration in miniature with a more detailed discussion on that part of the water cycle so it could be used for primary and elementary school ages. If you have your older child read it to your younger I think they would enjoy the book also.

My next find is going to be a favorite because it features the watercolors of Edgar Degas (1834-1917). I Dreamed I was a Ballerina is a brief story of Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org with Degas's paintings as illustrations. While the text is again brief in this book, there are short biographies of Degas and Pavlova at the end of the book. This book tells the story of Anna's first visit to the ballet to see Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty and how it inspired her to become a ballerina. Pavlova came from a very poor family but overcame various hardships to become a world renowned ballerina. The ballet dancers of the Paris Opera were a favorite subject of Degas, which inspired him to create works in watercolor, drawings, pastels, sculpture and even photographs. I am thankful he was so inspired, as his Paris Opera works are among my favorite art. So, here is an assignment for you! Check out this book from FSPL, along with Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. Read the lovely little story to your children and then allow them to contemplate the illustrations while listening to Tchaikivsky. I never become tired of art or music. They both continue to show a new side every time you view or listen.

Love,
Shawna