Voice of Youth Advocates

This series deals with different aspects of art and how they relate to society, in this case an art form and an artist. In Pablo Picasso, Kallen at first focuses on the artistÆs early life, which contained some hardships and tragedies. He exhibited his extraordinary talent from childhood, yet when his sister was gravely ill, he vowed to give up art if she lived. She did not, and the world has been the recipient of his work. Throughout his life, with every new female relationship, he changed his art style. He was not interested in the status quo and often ôinventedö different art forms, including cubism as seen in Les Demoiselles DÆAvignon. In later life, he embraced social commentary and protest. Guernica and Charnel House are just two of his anti-war paintings. Graphic Design covers the history of this art form from the first symbols or images, sometimes called pictographs or pictograms, to the present-day use of electronics. Graphic design is meant to be an art that communicates ideas using graphics and sometimes words. It is demonstrated in many different types of art: book cover illustrations, posters, magazines, consumer products, album covers, computer Web sites, and more. A successful example is the famous World War I military recruiting poster of Uncle Sam pointing out with the words ôI Want You for U.S. Army.ö Both books have informative sidebars of related facts and many photographs of the art. For readers whose appetites are whetted, a very short list of further reading and Web sites is included. Although covering just the tip of the iceberg, more sources can be gleaned from the many source notes for each chapter. Kallen includes so much information that readers are bound to learn many interesting facts about art, and history as well.ùJane Van Wiemokly.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

This survey venerates its subject, focusing on Picasso's reputation as "both the most prolific artist ever and the most influential artist of the twentieth century" in addition to his personal and professional rebelliousness. Covering major periods and themes, the book includes small reproductions of many of Picasso's works. Sidebars include information on artistic movements, Picasso's contemporaries, and his reception by the art establishment. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

School Library Journal (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Gr 7-10 The first of many color reproductions included in this chronologically arranged title is Picasso's earliest oil painting, completed at age eight. The author presents an interesting account of the artist's life, making connections between his relationships, historical events, and art movements, all of which influenced his work. Plentiful quotations are clearly cited and provide insight into how Picasso and his art were perceived by contemporaries. Accompanying the well-organized text are several sidebars that expand upon certain points. There is much to be said about an artist as prolific and influential as Picasso. The steady level of detail from childhood to later life found in this text is commendable. More than a source for reports, this biography has an engaging pace and visual appeal that readers will find satisfying. Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

ALA Booklist (Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

In this entry in the Eye on Art series, Kallen tackles the complicated man that was Pablo Picasso and gives readers a look at both his genius and his eccentricities. One of the best things about this book is that it lingers on Picasso's childhood, which included very early accolades and a competitive relationship with his father, who was also an artist. In addition, Kallen spends time on a decisive moment in Picasso's life: he promised God he would give up art if his sister, suffering from diphtheria, recovered. She didn't. Much is made of the fact that every time Picasso started a relationship with a different woman, his art would change. Visually, this is supported by the many photos of Picasso's art that appear throughout. Excellent sidebars offer solid information on such topics as communism or the influence of the Impressionists. This is just the kind of book that engages enough to become a gateway. The few books in the bibliography won't be of much interest, but the Web sites may inspire further research.