“Viva Frida” by Yuyi Morales

In Yuyi Morales’ “Viva Frida” one of the world’s most famous female artists is brilliantly captured in action. Each page contains two or three bilingual sentences in addition to vividly captivating as well as unique mixed media illustrations. This biography is especially accessible for beginning readers. This book is a celebration of art, animals, love, dreams, culture, and ultimately life. A recipient of the 2015 Caldecott Honor Book Award as well as the 2015 Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award this picture book is definitely one to be checked out and enjoyed by readers of any age. 

--Alison R., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Mousterpiece" by Jane Zalben

Janson the mouse lives in an art museum and one night discovers the art. She proceeds to re-create the masterpieces, morphing them into mousterpieces, using her own identity stamp on each one. My favorite is on the cover (Henri Rousseau’s The Dream). All the big artists of the twentieth century are included, Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, van Gogh and Dali, to name just a few. Notations at the back of the book cite the names, dates and painting titles of them all.




"Mousterpiece" by Jane Breskin Zalben is a tour de force through the realm of modern art, as seen through the eyes of a mouse-colored vision. The mouse is named Janson. Zalban’s note at the back of the book tells us this is a tribute to the author of "History of Art" (H.W. Janson), the definitive textbook of art used in many university art history classes.


This fanciful picture book is an introduction to modern art that will please many parents and children alike.

Also check out these art books by Janson:

"History of Art"    A massive survey of 30,000 years of Western art for the common man.

"History of Art for Young People" Introduces the art of the Western world to a young audience





-Rishon F. HQ

Incredible Leonardo DaVinci

Leonardo DaVinci was an incredible scientist, artist and inventor. Did you know he invented the first tank? The first bicycle? He was definitely a man ahead of his time.

The St. Louis County Library is pleased to be a sponsor of the DaVinci Exhibit that is currently showing in downtown St. Louis. We will be partnering with the DaVinci Exhibit by offering programs for students and adults.

All St. Louis County Library branches will be presenting a hands-on program for students ages 8-12. It is a great way for kids to learn about DaVinci’s life and inventions.

The curator of the exhibit will also give a compact lecture on DaVinci’s life and legacy at the Florissant Valley, Daniel Boone, Headquarters and Tesson Ferry branches. Please visit our website for more information.

Before you see the exhibit or go to the programs, check out the books we have on Leonardo DaVinci.

"Leonardo da Vinci for kids : his life and ideas : 21 activities" by Janis Herbert. Presents a biography of this prolific artist and inventor through projects in cartography, animal art, bird observation, and mask making.

 

"Leonardo Da Vinci" by Steve Augarde. Paolo, a ten-year-old apprentice to Leonardo da Vinci, maintains a diary which tells of an exciting time in Renaissance Italy. Includes an illustrated reference chapter.

"Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions you can Build Yourself" by Maxine Anderson.Introduces readers to the life, world, and incredible mind of Leonardo da Vinci through hands-on building projects that explore his invention ideas.

 

--Desiree S., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists"

St. Louis County Library's children's collection includes a new biography series that introduces young readers to famous artists with just the right mix of information, humor and beautiful art. Each volume of Mike Venezia's "Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists" presents the life and art of a selected artist -- Da Vinci, Whistler, Hopper, Cassatt, Homer and Pippin, to name a few. This series makes art accessible, approachable, and fun for readers of all ages. Sprinkled with his own original comics, Mike Venezia's well-crafted and sincere biographies teach and introduce art history, the artists and their techniques in a clever and enjoyable manner. Once you read one of the biographies in this new series, you'll find yourself glancing back at the photographs, smiling again at the comics, and then reaching for another volume. I hope that you'll read and share Mike Venezia's "Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists" biographies sometime soon.

--Teresa R., Sachs