ALA Booklist (Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

How do we define art? This photographic introduction explains, Art can be just about anything. The vibrant snapshots show young artists from a wide variety of countries expressing themselves in universal ways: drawing, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, writing, acting, sculpture, and making crafts. The narrative introduces the various activities, but the photographs tell the greater story. The double-page spread on drumming, for instance, shows five young drummers from Indonesia, Mauritania, the U.S., India, and Jamaica. The pictures are clear, and few of the children appear posed. This engaging, global view of young artists is an excellent supplement for social studies units and an inspiring springboard for arts programs. An appended map shows the location of the countries.

Horn Book (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

This book's creators honor different types of art making, including painting, dancing, singing, and writing. The accompanying color photos, outlined in solid colors and set on bright backdrops, show kids from around the world being creative. A sense of joy permeates the book, from which readers will learn about both creativity and children from other cultures. Map.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

To Be an Artist by Maya Ajmera and John Ivanko explores what it can mean to be an artist and the ways that children around the globe express themselves through art, including drawing, making music, dancing and acting. Photos of children from dozens of nations accompany the motivational text, which addresses readers directly: """"Dressing up, making sandcastles, taking a photograph... these are all ways you can show your creativity.

School Library Journal (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

K-Gr 3 Like the authors' Back to School (2001) and To Be a Kid (1999, both Charlesbridge), this title is part of the SHAKTI for Children project, a nonprofit group dedicated to "teaching children to value diversity and to grow into productive, caring citizens of the world." Eye-catching spreads feature vivid photographs of youngsters from many different countries engaged in a variety of art forms, including dancing, singing, writing, and painting. The bold text introduces each discipline and is supported with more extensive descriptions of the individual endeavors and the nature of artistic expression in general. Bright, colorful backgrounds highlight the assortment of photos, and the open layout helps to pull the information together. This vibrant book pulsates with the energy and sense of accomplishment that accompanies participation in the arts. Within its pages, readers will find the inspiration to create, as well as the stimulation that comes from seeing reflections of the lives and creative works of other youngsters. Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL