Title: Art & Max
Author/Illustrator: David Wiesner
Age Group: 2-8
Synopsis: Max is excited about making art but his friend Art isn’t as thrilled with his efforts.
The Lowdown:
There’s something magical about the creation process. Starting with just supplies and ending up with something different is still something that I love, whether it’s painting, drawing, refinishing, sculpture. It doesn’t really matter. It’s something that I hope to pass on to Bug and Peanut. Bug is still hesitant, he hates getting his hands dirty. But after those first five/ten minutes he can get really engrossed in a project. He’ll do it over and over, something I’m completely fine with. I’ve gotten better these last few years about focusing on process vs. product but it’s still something that I need to remind myself about. That’s something that Art & Max really highlights, in a number of wonderfully different ways.
Wiesner introduces us first to Max, running through the title page towards Art, who looks like he’s dueling with a canvas. Max convinces Art, or Arthur, that he should be allowed to paint too but is unsure what to paint. Art suggests that Max paint him. An invitation Max takes literally. Covered head to toe, Art explodes only to find that his scales are permanently colored. Max tries technique after technique to try and help Art but he only succeeds in creating a greater problem. Eventually, Art is just a squiggle line on the ground. Once he’s been redrawn, he still needs to be painted in. Max does this by spraying him with color, creating an amazing speckled affect. Art’s amazed and the two begin painting together, working on process vs product.
The story would hardly be complete without the amazing illustrations that Wiesner is known for. Extremely realistic, he seems to be poking fun at himself in this story or at least he’s informing the audience that there’s more than one way to paint a canvas or a lizard for that matter. The imaginative turns of the story can only really be understood through such well executed pictures. Through them, the humorous undertones can be fully enjoyed. And truly with each new technique tried by Max, I felt compelled to try and replicate it on my own. Some I felt more confident about than others. That final speckled effect is so crazy cool. I want to do it with our eggs this year, but we’ll see.
There are so many times in our lives where there is only one way to do things. I think children can feel the brunt of this the most. Shoes go on a certain foot, zippers only zip one way, chairs are for sitting, etc. It can be understandably frustrating. But if, as parents, teachers, and care givers we can provide outlets where there are fewer rules and more avenues for exploration we’re relieving that stress and allowing for an avenue of creative expression and exploration. Books that support art and self-expression are just a step but getting those creative juices flowing is always important. And giving children an outlet that enforces confidence, learning, and creativity is priceless.
Story Tips:
- Have paints and paper ready afterwards. If you’re unsure about how to go about process art than have a gander online. My one suggestion is have a safe-zone (so that you don’t get stressed out during the creation process). We do this by saran-wrapping the table. Pick up is crazy easy. We also wear smocks, old paint clothes, or sometimes nothing at all, depending on the project.
- If you’re still curious or have questions about process art projects, checkout websites like www.ohcreativeday.com or www.kidartlit.com
I need more!
David Wiesner has a plethora of imaginative books with fabulous illustrations. Check out his website here: http://www.hmhbooks.com/wiesner/
