This is one of those books I've been trying to find to read for awhile so I was really pleased when I picked this up today. Yay for artist biographiesThis is one of those books I've been trying to find to read for awhile so I was really pleased when I picked this up today. Yay for artist biographies done in picture books!
I love how this story was told. I love the strangeness to the art, and the fact that I got to learn something new about a place I really wish I'd known about back when I lived in Wisconsin. I would have loved to visit this house.
The sad part comes in the note at the end. The fact that Mary was treated like a witch and so much vandalism occurred is just tragic. I wonder how much of this wonderful work is still intact?
This is a neat book that I'd recommend to use with your child alongside some really fun art projects involving clay and 'found' items. Great book, with the story well told!...more
The idea of illustrating emotions so that children can understand them better is an idea that is sorely needed for those of us who are autistic (or foThe idea of illustrating emotions so that children can understand them better is an idea that is sorely needed for those of us who are autistic (or for those of us who deal with autistic children). The idea of using contemporary artwork to illustrate that point is interesting, though I would argue at times confusing.
The humor of there being animals after all will keep the child engaged, but you'll lose them if you try to explain the art using the information given at the back of the book. On the other hand, adult readers will enjoy knowing a bit more about modern art and so I widely encourage not skipping that part after you finish reading the book to your child.
Overall, the book is clever and layered with a lot of meaning, but perhaps it's a little bit TOO clever and therefore loses the intended audience. I still highly recommend this book for use with autistic kids because they need all the help they can get in this regard. ...more
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