June 1, 2011
Gr 2-6-The titles in this series introduce young viewers to a variety of artists and their work. In this program, Puffer the puffin goes to Florence, Italy, where his friend Polly teaches him about Renaissance artists. Elements of the Renaissance are briefly introduced and then information about Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael is presented. A brief biography of each artist is presented, and two examples of his art are examined in detail. The material in the DVD is based on the book (Crystal Prods., 2010) by Pamela Geiger Stephens. Jim McNeill's soft, computer-generated illustrations are simply animated. There are also photographs of these masterpieces: "5 Grotesque Heads" and "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci; Michelangelo's "Pieta" and "The Creation of Adam" (carefully framed for elementary audiences); and Raphael's "The School of Athens" and "St. George and the Dragon." This simple yet interesting introduction to an important part of our artistic heritage will be embraced by art teachers for use with young students.-Teresa Bateman. Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2011
This third Daughters novel follows Hudson, who feels smothered by her overbearing pop-star mom. When classmate Hillary becomes Hudson's "life coach," she gains the confidence to be her own person, eventually becoming the lead singer of a suburban high school band. The characters lack personality (except for quirky Hillary), but series fans will welcome the music industry details and drama.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)