Pablo Picasso. . - Book - book review

Arts & Activities, Jan, 2002 by Jerome J. Hausman

PABLO PICASSO (1999; $5.95), by Linda Lowery, illustrations by Janice Lee Porter. Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 241 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

There are many books about Pablo Picasso. A distinctive feature of this book is that it has been written and designed for children ages 6-8. In a very brief and generalized fashion, the author describes Picasso's childhood, his "Blue" and "Rose" periods, the beginnings of Cubism, the painting Guernica, his marriages to Francoise and Jacqueline, and the completion of his Chicago sculpture for the Daley Building. Unfortunately, no reproductions or photography of the artist's works are included.

Overall, the book is more of an adult's version of what children might be interested in, rather than an exploration of the imaginative and informational insights that would help children in understanding the works of Picasso. Teachers would be well advised to purchase books that have reproductions of Picasso's paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures, and then use their own insights and understandings in leading discussions of children's interpretations and imaginative outreach as a result of their references in looking at what Picasso has done.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 398 on the Reader Service Card.

A-V/VISUAL/CD-ROM: Barbara Herberhoh

BOOK: Jerome J. Hausman