Imagine That! Activities and adventures in surrealism

Imagine That! ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES IN SURREALISM (2004; $12.95) by Joyce Raimondo. Watson-Guptill Publications, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003; www.watsonguptill.com.

Think of the many times that we use the word "real" in everyday language. Things are said to be "real" when they appear as they do in ordinary vision. Yet, we all know about how imagination and feeling change our ideas of reality. Think of the unusual things that happen in dreams. Surrealist artists, for example, were influenced by Sigmund Freud's idea that the subconscious mind is seen in dreams.

This is an attractive, well-designed book that will help students better understand Surrealist artists--their way of thinking and working. Also, the book offers many ideas and suggestions as to classroom activities. The book's target audiences are elementary-school students and their teachers.

Six artists are discussed: Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Meret Oppenheim and Frida Kahlo. For each, there is an introductory paragraph, suggestions for looking at an example of that artist's work, and suggested student activities related to that artist's work. The conclusion for the book contains a brief biography for each artist. Overall, the content of the book is simply stated but stems from a well-informed approach to Surrealism.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 390 on the Reader Service Card.

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