World of Play

Come Look With Me Art Books

by Gladys S. Blizzard

COME LOOK WITH WORLD OF PLAY is no dry discourse on art history or painting technique. Instead it pairs quality art reproductions with thought-provoking questions, encouraging the child to enter the painting or sculpture and explore it through the artist's eyes, through the eyes of the people depicted, and through the child's own imagination.

Author Gladys S. Blizzard has chosen twelve fascinating works of art which, although diverse, all fall into the most child-friendly of themes, people at play. Works range from an ancient Minano fresco and a classic Winslow Homer to a wacky modern basketball game sculpted by Red Grooms in painted wood.

Genres: Art, Childrens, Nonfiction, 2nd Grade, Picture Books, 1st Grade

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lisa]

We looked at this book together for morning time during homeschool. My kids really enjoyed this book from the series, and it was interesting that it had so many different painting styles as well as different types of art (woodcutting, sculpture, etc.).

[Michael Fitzgerald]

I wasn't crazy about the particular selection of the twelve images, but the concept and the kinds of questions the book poses are excellent and can be applied to other paintings in other books or in museums.

[Ardyth]

This was a mixed bag for us, but that's to be expected when one book introduces a range of styles and artists. My son (6yo / 7yo when we worked through it) loved a few, was totally disinterested in others.

I found that trying to sit and read the text about the picture / artist didn't work particularly well for us, nor did thumbing through it. In the end, I put the open book on a small bookstand & left a two-page spread on display for a week or two. When I was ready to switch, I'd draw his attention to the new pic briefly and then just leave it to communicate on its own. I wasn't sure any of this was doing anything at all, until I noticed him imitating one of the styles in his free time. So -- not an Artist Study in any formalized sense, but I'm pleased enough.

[Willow]

Love this art book. It has little descriptions of the pictures and artist that aren't overwhelming or wordy. The questions are engaging. My daughter could look at this book for hours.

[Megan Boomgarden]

This book contains a variety of artwork from different cultures and with many different techniques that show different elements of children playing and moving. It exposes children to the complexities and variations of art across the world and shows the difference in culture.

This book is different from other nonfiction or art books because it is an interactive book. Next to the images, there are a few questions that are designed to get children talking and expressing their opinions of the artwork. These questions can be very useful in getting children to analyze different aspects of art and would be good for journal entries or large group discussions.

[Portable]

The Come Look With me series by Gladys S Blizzard is an absolutely wonderful inspiration point for getting children to appreciate art and to think creatively. Each picture has on its facing page a selection of questions and starting points for talking to children about the meaning of the painting, how it makes them feel, and a host of other thought-provoking discussions. This year I wanted to really expand our library's art books, not just to inspire creativity, but also to stimulate their critical thinking and reflection. A marvelous series.

[Artlab]

Reproductions of works emphasizing people at play

[Riegs]

Has surprisingly good discussion questions along with each piece. Useful to share with your art teachers!

[Karen]

This book is great for getting young children to look, really look, at famous works of art. The text is straightforward and comprehensible, and the art pieces were well chosen.