Andy Web: Artist

PreS-Gr 2—Andy is a spider who lives in the National Galley and wants nothing more than to be an artist. Despite the reservations of his practical-minded parents, Andy hones his skills by tracing famous works of art with his web and eventually develops his own triumphant style. As Andy traipses from room to room, the book's colorful illustrations feature reproductions of famous artworks ranging from Da Vinci to Warhol. There is a distinct focus on Western art, though Hokusai's Great Wave makes an appearance, as well as a nod to ancient Egyptian art. Nevertheless, this book is a cheerful and effective introduction to famous artists, artistic movements, and art techniques, well-suited for a preschool or young elementary school audience. The final page includes teachers' notes with suggested questions and discussion topics, as well as a list of the original works portrayed in the story. Simple prose with a few clever spider puns and large, vibrant illustrations make this an upbeat choice for storytime or a classroom read-aloud.