Mousterpiece

PreS-Gr 2—Janson the mouse lives in an art museum where she roams freely after all the visitors leave. When she happens upon the modern wing, she is mesmerized. Paintings by Picasso and Matisse, Munch and Pollack, Van Gogh and Warhol spark her creative talents and she emulates them all. When the wing is closed for renovation, Janson is bereft. How will she live without these amazing paintings? Rather than leave the space empty, she paints and paints until the room is once again filled with art. The museum director happens upon her work and mounts a show for her. As with all art shows, some people like it and others don't. In the end, she has grown as a painter and developed a style of her own. Zalben's simple, unfussy cartoons are engaging and fanciful, filled with clever and telling detail. This is an engaging book built around some of the great artists of the 20th century and introduces children to their signature styles. It has a wonderful, inspiring story; marvelous illustrations; and back matter that connects them all. Mousterpiece is a terrific springboard for aspiring young artists everywhere.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA