Horizontally split pages encourage young appreciators of art to mix and match facial features of 10 classic portraits.Printed on heavy stock and arranged in no apparent order, the paintings—and the one Japanese woodblock print—are all close-ups that are adjusted for size so that George Washington's jaw will (more or less) fit the Mona Lisa's nose beneath the brow of, say, Vincent Van Gogh or Frida Kahlo. Arcimboldo's fruit-and-veggie Vertumnus, the Japanese actor Sawamura Sojuro III, and African-American entrepreneur Edna Powell Gayle add at least a bit of diversity to the exhibit's subjects. Stylistically, though, there is a lack of strong visual contrast. Viewers who flip the parts back and forth are likely to be equally unexcited by Lach's bland commentary opposite: "My cheeks are of apples, my nose is a pear" notes Vertumnus self-evidently. The gloss in Gayle's voice is positively vapid: "I run a Chicago art gallery, and my elegant hairstyle is perfect for my job." And, alas, so is Frida Kahlo's: "I am an artist. My elaborate hairstyle shows my love of Mexico." Along with further information about each work and its creator at the end, the author offers a few desperate ideas for activities, such as visiting the originals or "any museum with portraits." A visit to "any museum with portraits" would be time better spent. (Novelty. 7-10)

Horizontal cuts divide the pages of this large-format board book into thirds, allowing children to mix and match the facial features of people in 10 paintings and prints, including Gilbert Stuart-s -George Washington,- Frida Kahlo-s -Self-Portrait with Monkey,- and Giuseppe Arcimboldo-s -Vertumnus.- Brief first-person comments appear opposite the figures- foreheads, eyes, and lips (-I am the queen of Hungary, and my red curls are like a crown,- reads one of three phrases beside Velázquez-s -Doña Maria de Austria, Queen of Hungary-), and an enlightening closing spread discusses the artists and subjects of each work. A well-executed, exquisite corpse-style introduction to art history. Ages 2-8. (Oct.)

K-Gr 4 Ten portrait masterpieces from art history can be mixed and matched to make a multitude of faces in this fun book about fine art. By turning flaps, children can superimpose Mona Lisa's smile or Vincent van Gogh's straw hat onto George Washington's portrait. Like the images, the text can either be read straight through or mixed up to create playful, mashed-up descriptions. Though the information is brief, there is enough material about the artists and their subjects to make this an enjoyable springboard into art appreciation. There is diversity among those represented in the portraits as well as the painters, who include Frida Kahlo, Sandro Botticelli, Archibald J. Motley Jr., Toshusai Sharaku, and more. A note to adults suggests that students may add their own self-portraits to a page and mix and match with them. This work easily lends itself to other potential extension activities and will make a perfect accompaniment to a museum field trip or portrait art project. It will also be especially welcome as an option for kinesthetic learners and as a tool for art teachers. This sturdy and well-made volume has laminated cardboard pages and rounded corners to withstand enthusiastic library use. VERDICT Recommended as an appealing art enrichment addition. Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA