Let's get this out of the way: there are nipples in this book, even on the cover. But don't let prudery get in the way of this breezy volume's valuable goal mystifying seemingly impenetrable questions about art. In sections headed by such queries as "Are there any ugly statues?" and "Why is everything blurry?" Hodge tackles a broad range of topics. Each chapter includes a few reproductions of pieces, all paired with brief, lighthearted paragraphs offering descriptions and helpful context. The thematic approach might seem scattershot, but her combination of pieces, often from widely varied periods and artists, illuminates very interesting similarities and raises valuable questions about art appreciation and criticism. While some of her explanations seem a bit off the mark, the scope and diversity of her selections is pleasantly vast: she includes everything from ancient cave murals to aboriginal story paintings to contemporary installations and everything in-between. With a playful, casual tone, this informative introduction to art history will encourage plenty of readers to approach museum visits with more confidence.

Gr 4-8 The title alone is enough to hook browsers. Hodge uses high-level questions about famous and lesser-known works of art to provoke critical thinking about a variety of artists and their creations. Newcomers and frequent museum visitors alike will find themselves thinking about the pieces in unexpected ways. The author offers this bit of wisdom: "Some people think that you have to be clever to understand art. Others think that art can make you clever. But most of the time you just have to know what to look for." Comedic cartoon guides help point out some of the concepts mentioned in the text, while the questions allow students to make the reading experience their own. For further exploration, an annotated list of illustrations is provided. VERDICT Intriguing questions on everything from ancient cave paintings to Banksy's latest street art tickle the brain in this colorful romp through the art world. For both art aficionados and newcomers. Jane Miller, Nashville Public Library