Collages: (Start with Art)

This book introduces the reader to collages, examining what collages are, how they are made, what they can show, differences in size, technique and style, historical and modern examples, and examples from different cultures.

About the Author :
Isabel Thomas studied Human Sciences at Oxford University before working in the wonderful world of children's publishing. She has written dozens of books for children and teenagers, and is a trained literacy tutor. Isabel lives in Cambridge, UK, with her husband and three rambunctious sons.

Review :
In this entry in the Start with Art series, you sometimes can't tell the professional collages from those of youthful amateurs, and therein lies the appeal. With the right cocktail of instinct, luck, and dedication, the mixing of materials known as collage can create magic in the unlikeliest of places and with the unlikeliest of materials. Aside from minor nods to history ("The Romans used mosaics to decorate floors"), Thomas places her focus on the sheer variety of examples, from clearly accessible figures and scene studies to abstract works out to produce purely emotional responses in audiences. Young readers will be inspired by the anything-goes list of materials--wood, paper scraps, fabric, plants--though a closing lesson keeps things simple by showing them how to cut up a magazine to create a funny self-portrait. A bit haphazard and unfocused, but the right kid will draw plenty of inspiration from the provided examples.-- Daniel Kraus Booklist 11/1/2011-- "Booklist" This book about collages includes everything from mosaics to texture. Each collage shown is a different example of what each could be made with and different materials that could be used. The pictures are self-explanatory and the examples are specific. This book has a great glossary included that will help the students with different vocabulary. It also includes these features: Table of Contents, Glossary, Find Out More, and Index. - Kathie Shepoka, Pawnee School Omaha Public Schools 1/23/2013-- "Omaha Public Schools" This series explains art forms to early elementary students in straightforward language, with examples drawn from a wide range of countries. Every page features two simple sentences in large font under a color photograph. The layout is eye-catching and appealing. A craft activity based on the lesson concludes each volume. With the exception of Photographs, which requires the use of a digital camera, all crafts use common household items. Glossary. Table of Contents. Index. Julie Judkins, Digital Librarian, University of Michigan, Ann ArborRecommended Library Media Connection May/June 2012-- "Library Media Connection" With only two sentences per page, these are simple introductions to some types of visual arts for young children. Illustrations include reproductions of famous works in different styles. Photos show children painting, drawing, and making collages, helping readers see connections between the featured art and possibilities for their own creative work, as well as providing inspiration and encouraging expressiveness.-- "The Horn Book" Young readers are introduced to collage as an art form. The brief text includes explanations about how people make collages, what materials can be used, and what collages can show. A suggested activity to begin making collages is described step-by-step with a web site appended to find additional ideas. The Start with Art series is a useful purchase for a basic introduction in the primary grades to art forms. This title answers basic questions about collages and uses simple statements to explain and illustrate the form. Children will enjoy trying the self-portrait collage. - Dinah Emerson, Ginter Park Elementary School Richmond Public Schools8/9/2012-- "Richmond Public Schools"