Raimondo, Joyce. 2004. IMAGINE THAT! ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES IN SURREALISM. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications. ISBN 0823025020 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-6]
REVIEW
In the first of a new series meant to inspire artistic impression, Raimondo tackles perhaps the most difficult of artistic concepts – surrealism. Youngsters are exposed to surrealism by examining art from five different artists. One famous piece from each artist is shown and highlighted with intriguing, interactive questions for the reader to ponder. Activities designed to re-create the style of the artist follow, along with photographs of children’s completed projects.
Large easy-to-read text on pages of various colors entices the reader to have confidence to try the techniques and enables understanding of the artistic concepts. Explicit photographs help explain the processes involved. A succinct biography on each of the artists at the end of the book provides additional information for the true art-lover. Together, the book is a stimulating interactive piece that begs to be read and “played with” again and again. Even adults will want to experiment with creating a “Dali-style” collage or an “Ernst-inspired” frottage! Fun, fun.
CONNECTIONS
Create an illustrated glossary of the new terms discovered in the book.
Decide on a theme. Invite children to create one theme-based piece using a technique from the book. Display in gallery style throughout the library.
Use the “Me and My World” activity as a means of introductions at the beginning of a school year.
RELATED BOOKS
Other interactive books about art:
Boutan, Mila, ed. ART ACTIVITY PACKS: MONET. ISBN 0811813355
Kohl, MaryAnn F. DISCOVERING GREAT ARTISTS: HANDS-ON ART FOR CHILDREN IN THE STYLES OF THE GREAT MASTERS. ISBN 0935607099
Nilsen, Anna. ART FRAUD DETECTIVE: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE, SOLVE THE CRIME. ISBN 0753453088
By Rebecca S. McKee
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