Whaam! The Art & Life of Roy Lichtenstein by Susan Goldman Rubin

Fantastic picture book biography of Roy Lichtenstein. The book begins with the two possible stories that led to his immersion in the pop art movement. It contains great biographical information interspersed with a large number and variety of Lichtenstein's work that spans his career. There are also works (identified) done by a number of other famous artists of the time. It explains his technique and how it developed over time and shows how his work grew and changed over his life. The book contains a glossary of art terms and names. There is also a very complete notes section, references a list of museums and other public places to find Lichtenstein's work and an index. This may appeal to some of the same lovable dweebs that like the Creators of Superman. Great for upper elementary art lovers and on through ms and hs. It would be a great resource for art teachers.

Show & Tell : Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration by Dilys Evans

While this is not exactly a children's book, it is recommended for grades 7 and up in SLJ's Best Books of 2008. A handsome, well-designed volume, it details the life and works of twelve well-known children's book illustrators. The illustrations in picture books are described as a form of fine art "worthy of celebration and recognition." The author has not tried to create an exclusive "best-of" list but rather to offer a wide spectrum of styles representing excellence in both art and storytelling. There are many well-chosen examples of each artist's work. This book will send you straight to the stacks to read and appreciate anew the art of the picture book. It could be useful to art teachers and to language arts teachers who use picture books as a teaching tool for older kids. Or it can just be read for pure pleasure.

One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

This clever picture counting book is a quick read but can become an engaging study of words! Each page has a short phrase and a cut-out, turn the page and the reader is rewarded with a clever play on the original words, adding to the story and offering lots of opportunities for guessing how the next round may go. All the segments seem unconnected until the very end (which could be a good discussion as the story is being read).

Recommended as story-time for PK/TK-1st grade, as book creation motivation for 2nd-5th.

The Origami Master by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

Illustrated by Aki Sogabe. A warbler in a tree observes an origami master creating origami during the day. At night, the warbler flies inside and creates his own origami masterpieces. Shimi eventually captures the bird in order to learn its secrets. In the end, Shimi comes to realize the importance of freedom and friendship. The bright, vivid colors of the origami paper, trees, etc. will work well for read alouds. There is a "Make Your Own Origami Bird" activity at the end of the book. In addition to being a wonderful multicultural title, this picture book also contains a simple moral for children.

Wanda Gag : The Girl Who Lived to Draw by Deborah Kogan Ray

Here is a picture book biograpy for the younger set. In 1928 Wanda Gag created what some have called the first modern picture book, Millions of Cats. The story of her life is one of overcoming hardships. Although she experienced a happy childhood, her father died when she was fifteen, making it difficult for her to pursue her dream of drawing as a profession.How she accomplished that dream makes for an inspriring story. Every page of text has a quotation from Gag's diaries. The pictures are brightly colored and appealing. Grades 1-4.

Sandy's Circus by Tanya Lee Stone illustrated by Boris Kulikov

In a year when musicians have been a popular topic for picture books, Tanya Lee Stone and Boris Kulikov have reached back to bring us the childhood and young adulthood of sculptor Alexander Calder. Focusing on Calder's amazing circus in a suitcase that charmed Paris, this creative pair has produced a delightfully engaging book. Stone's prose is somewhat overpowered by Kulikov's fascinating illustrations. His jumps in point of view and selective areas of color and black and white are a large part of the book's charm factors. With only a teasing view of the big mobiles on the last page, readers will have to consult other sources for Calder's more famous works. Sandy's Circus, though, will definitely make young readers curious to learn more about this remarkable artist. Recommended for ages 6 and up.