These large-format volumes provide engaging introductions to the art world. Photos includes both color and black-and-white images from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Mysteries raises such questions as "Why Is Mona Lisa Smiling?" and "To Whom Did van Gogh Give His Ear?" Sidebars, quiz questions, and brief information about the artists are included to enhance readers' curiosity and creativity. Timeline. Glos.

Gr 4-7 Thirteen photos that depict famous moments range from Charles Lindbergh's 1927 landing in France to the Deepwater Horizon disaster of 2010. The choices are quite diverse, capturing the celebratory moments of Beatlemania, the Olympics in China in 2008, and the romantic wedding of Charles and Diana. Images also show political triumphs, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech in 1963, and the tragedy of 9/11. Personal triumphs include Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay at the summit of Mt. Everest, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on the moon, and an impish Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue. The pictures showcase the subjects and some, such as Lewis Hines's photo of the workers on the Empire State building, show the genius of the photographer. The brief text gives a basic introduction to these events and people. Overall, the images seem rather random, and photos of these moments are available from many sources. Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA