Title: Art

Author: Patrick McDonnell
Publisher: www.lb-kids.com
Publication Date: 2006
Genre: Picture Book, Art
Audience: Gr. Pre-K-2

Overview: Patrick McDonnell was influenced to become an artist and the creator of Mutts Comics by the book, Harold and the Purple Crayon, when he was a child. In Art, McDonnell pays homage to his favorite book through bright colorful line drawings encouraging all kinds of dots, zigzags and squiggles. Art, the boy featured in the story creates all kinds of patterns, which culminate in a complete drawing, which is a story in itself.

Activity: Use paints to imitate the drawing lessons in the book. Then, let the group cut and combine all the scribbles, dots, and zigzags to make one big poster.

Reviewer’s Name: Darby Hewes