These large-format, brightly colored surveys provide solid, even inspiring introductions to the art world. Each title, refreshingly, ranges widely in subjects highlighted, from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Beijing "bird's nest" National Stadium (Buildings), Cindy Sherman to Sofonisba Anguissola (Women Artists). Leading questions encourage budding artists to use the featured subjects and artworks as inspiration. Timeline. Glos.

The famous buildings featured in this pictorial collection include Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, New York City’s Guggenheim Museum and the Beijing National Stadium (built for the 2008 Olympics), each pictured in color photographs, cross-sections and/or ground plans, with time lines tracing the buildings’ developments and changes over time. The straightforward text provides historical context and facts for each structure (the Tower of Pisa continues to lean despite multiple attempts at straightening; the Taj Mahal was built as a memorial). A sound introduction to some impressive structures. Also available: <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">13 Artists Children Should Know. Ages 12–up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(June)