Drawing in this book is more than okay - it is expected. In fact, children will not only draw in it, they'll trace, paint, and weave their way through its magnificent pages. A Book of Artrageous Projects introduces itself with the statement "Do not read this book". Of course, children will continue reading if only to find out why they shouldn't! It is explained that users should treat the book as they would an art museum, moving through it as they would wander from one exhibit to the next, instead of reading systematically from cover to cover. This comes as no surprise, as the book was created in collaboration with New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Children are encouraged to sift through the pages, stopping when they find something that suits their fancy at the moment. Whimsical and humorously irreverent little encouragements are sprinkled throughout, suggesting children should be thinking outside of the box at all times.
Gorgeous artwork and hilarious captions call attention to themselves and remind children not to be too serious or systematic about what they do. After all, that would be limited and not very fun! In the process, children will discover all kinds of ways to express themselves through art with the book's inviting samplings that range from working with hieroglyphs to weaving, to painting with watercolors. As fantastic as the book comes across, no experience or even special talents are required.
One of the many appealing captions that will capture a child's attention is "How to be a controversial, experimental camera-less photographer yourself in six easy lessons". The clear instructions and sun-sensitive paper make it especially inviting to start creating "photograms". A section devoted to the Egyptian mummies that presents a simulated mummifying activity using a Barbie doll will immediately appeal to the sadistic side of boys - after all, they'll get to wrap Barbie in toilet paper and bury her for good! But it is an intriguing and artistic experience as well - children learn all about the Egyptian custom, and go wild filling and decorating the mummy's "tomb". Other pages include instructions to make egg tempera with ready-to-paint, weird-looking creatures right on the page, supplies and instructions to make a collage, as well as "fake" stained glass and beautiful artwork to trace. Kids can also create and emboss their very own copper book or armband using a copper sheet (that happens to be the cover of the book) and the included plastic sheet with relief designs.
If your family is anything like mine, you already have a collection of art idea books collecting dust on your bookshelf. Sure, the activity ideas looked cool at first, but the leap between instructions on the pages of a book and a real finished product is a big one. The format of A Book of Artrageous Projects practically guarantees its use. It is playfully and cleverly presented not only with visual punch, but with getting-started materials strategically placed throughout, often bound into or beside the very pages that hold the instructions. It cleverly reaches out to kids with its witty text and quirky charm.
Though many of the supplies needed to enjoy the activities are found within its pages, it is what children take away from the book that is especially extraordinary. By the time they're through, they'll have sampled a pleasing variety of art styles and methods, and pulled inspiration from the offerings as well. It might just stimulate some kids to get started on their own creative path, perhaps focusing on one or two art forms. At the very least, children will have earned an appreciation for art in its many shapes and forms. This project book is as interesting as it is educational, and as mind-expanding as it is fun. It would make an especially nifty gift for a "tweener" who has any interest in the world of art and creating.
