Anywhere Artist

Anywhere Artist

"I don't need paint or paper. I can make art anywhere. My imagination is all I need."In spare, delightful text and illustrations, an exuberant artist makes art from found objects and the world around her. This sprightly picture book celebrates creativity and will inspire readers to find art all around them, unleash their imaginations, and make their own artistic creations.From School Library JournalPreS-Gr 2-The message of this book is simple: anyone anywhere can be an artist, with a little imagination. The main character, a young girl with blond pigtails, declares on page after page, "I am a/n ____artist," and proceeds to craft together mythical creatures from materials from that particular landscape (forest, beach, rain puddles, etc.) The illustrations feature collages of found objects, contrasting with the girl who is playfully drawn in childlike colored-pencil sketches. The text follows a repeated pattern: the verso page is blank, with a statement in curlicue font, facing the recto with an illustration. This repetition does not get tedious due to the descriptive language-"fluffy lichen, twisted sticks, smooth stones, and lacy leaf skeletons"-and interesting juxtaposition of the mixed media illustrations. VERDICT This sweet picture book contains a positive message for young artists everywhere and is a potential leaping-off point for creative projects using found objects in nature. Purchase for medium size and large collections.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MAReview"Well-presented and artfully organized in a clear framework, this book will inspire readers to get outside and create."-Kirkus "This sweet picture book contains a positive message for young artists everywhere and is a potential leaping-off point for creative projects using found objects in nature."-School Library JournalAbout the AuthorNew Zealand artistNikki Slade Robinson has illustrated over sixty children?s books, several of which she has also written. She has received numerous awards for her work in her home country.