"Mike [Venezia] believes the best way to introduce kids to art and artists is through fun. If kids can look at art in a fun way, and think of artists as real people, the exciting world of art will be open to them for the rest of their lives." (description from the book cover)
Overall Rating: **** (out of five)
Strengths:
- Illustrations: Mike Venezia's original illustrations are amusing and add the the appeal of the text. They are perfectly tailored to the young audience of the book.
- Painting Reproductions. The reproductions of Cassat's paintings that appear in the book are beautiful, with bright colors that would be appealing to children.
- Text. The text of the book is simple, well geared toward children, particularly those that are reading on their own, but it would also be good for parents to enjoy with their children.
- Length. The book could stand to be a little longer. Cassatt's life was complex, and it could have benefited from slightly more exploration. However, that is an occupational hazard of children's non-fiction, and Venezia succeeds with the limitations.
