Grade 4-6-Some readers may be unsatisfied by the narrow focus of these slim volumes, but for others they may be just the ticket to nudge them into the world of fine art. Appealing layouts and the numerous, good-quality, full-color reproductions of the paintings are the strong points here. Pieter Bruegel examines the artist's The Tower of Babel. The text focuses more on Antwerp in the 16th century and the biblical story on which the painting is based than it does on Bruegel's life. A fair portion of the book is a tour of the tower lead by a stonemason depicted in the painting. An interesting section provides reproductions of other artist's interpretations of this subject. Now You See It discusses how Rene Magritte translated the sense of mystery he felt about ordinary objects to the canvas. Many full-page reproductions of his work are included. No mention is made of other surrealists. These introductory books may create more questions than they answer, making them ideal to spark classroom discussion or kick off bigger research projects. Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WA Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
