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Wordless picture books have always held an honored place in the hearts (and lesson plans) of all teachers who promote a love of reading. YOU CAN'T TAKE A BALLOON INTO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM takes that tradition to new heights with its exquisite detail, subtle parallel events, humor and excitement. It has all the elements of story: setting, lively characterization, the conflict and the chase...not to mention a most satisfying ending! But beyond all these delights, teachers of children of all ages will be drawn to this book for its potential to lead young minds on a quest for further information in many areas: art, art history, cultural tradition. It will find its place in creative writing lessons and in lessons about cultural history. And it will inevitably fix the images of a great museum in the minds of "readers," many of whom will find their way to The Met to discover these visual treasures in "real life." --Ann P. Kaganoff, PhD, Certified Educational Therapist; President, Association of Educational Therapists

Once in a long while a book comes along that is so simple yet so complex and innovative that it can be enjoyed time and again by both children and adults and is destined to become a classic. This is one of those books.

Having myself been taken at a very young age by my father to the Metropolitan Museum, this book has awoken within me wonderful memories that have instilled me with a love of museums (and especially of the Met). Although my children have not had the experience of seeing the Metropolitan as we live outside the U.S., this book has afforded me the opportunity to describe the museum to them and relive my experiences with them and at the same time take a rollicking educational ride through this romp.

I can actually feel the joy these two sisters must have had in working on this project. It is a work that comes from the heart and kudos to their collaboration of story and artwork that raises the story above the mundane.

So much fun! We love it as much as our daughter does. Wonderful illustrations.

This is the greatest, most beautiful book, calendar! I am going to be giving one of these to everyone for gifts! This book can brighten your day every time you open it, with the beautiful drawings and sayings. You will not be disapointed.

I just discovered Susan Branch's stickers/books/stencils/stamps/etc. I ordered this book for next year, and want to get one for my sister. It's so cute, and there are lots of Susan's drawings and watercolored leaves, flowers, and hearts...I can't wait to start using it. Couldn't find this in the bookstores anymore, so I ordered it from Amazon and got it within 3 days.

what a treat and a beautiful book to pick up and just look through. I just received this by post 2 days ago and have already started recording events in it each night before I go to sleep.....and then I read through the whole book again...many late nights in store. What a shame Susan Branch is not readily available in New Zealand, but what a delicious find! Keep them coming Susan.

Opening the package as it arrived from Amazon, easing this massive catalogue from its slipcase triggered a memory: walking to the edge of the Grand Canyon. With similar impact: awe. David Anfam brings the reader with him to encounter, view, & experience Rothko's work. His ten-year dedication paid off with the discovery of "lost" titles, setting the chronology of 836 works on canvas, (he couldn't have been afraid to get his hands dirty) & analyzing the slow struggle, sporadic leaps engendered by the painter in the evolution of the oeuvre. As scholar, teacher, critic, curator, & especially writer, Anfam proves the perfect choice to perform the daunting, almost impossible task of bringing Rothko into focus.

The author insightfully tracks the early representational beginnings, (his foray into narrative linked with crossing boundaries is totally appropriate for the artist from Dvinsk, Portland, New York) through the mythological (application of Kermode's distinction between "Chronos" & "Kairos" is utterly intriguing), & makes a case for Rembrandt as the source for Rothko's obsessions with tragedy & darkness, Vermeer his source for color's sensuality. Anfam traces in detail, using numerous examples of the brilliant reproductions, how the multiforms foreshadowed the work of the classic period. The architectural contexts for the Chapel are pure genius: Vincent Scully's, "The Earth, the Temple, & the Gods"; Joseph Rykwert's, "The Dancing Column"; & Leo Bersani's, Ulysse Dutoit's, "Arts of Impoverishment."

Anfam's breadth of vocabulary is English, yet he has benfitted from years in the States with a rapid, laconic language that impels the reader forward, informs succinctly. Purposely parrying time-worn quarrels, he unearths the more "thorny," "shady" aspects of dilemmas presented by such a complex art.

Two things happened as a result of reading MARK ROTHKO / THE WORKS on CANVAS / CATALOGUE RAISONNE. During a recent visit to C&M Gallery in NY for a show of eight Rothko's, alone in the second room, I heard them. A few nights ago I had a dream of a handwritten note on a table in the front room of an auction house that said, "The Last Painting." Rereading Helene Cixous's essay by that name (subtitled, "Or the Portrait of God"), she writes, "I think of the last Rembrandt. A man? Or a painting?" [in Cixous', "Coming to Writing and other Essays."] Anfam has presented us with the triumphant Rothko.

This is the first publication with his entire collection. Even lost paintings are represented by old black and white photographs. The images are not large, but the quality of this book is wonderful. By far the best buy for any Rothko fan (besides an original...)

Anfam's study is a great deal more than a much-needed reference book. Anyone interested in the history of modern art would find this study illuminating and exciting. Not only does it provide the first complete catalogue of Rothko's paintings on canvas (almost all in gorgeous color reproduction), it also includes numerous fresh and original insights concerning Rothko's intellectual and artistic sources. A monumental scholarly achievement, this volume will long remain a model for the field.

It has beautiful painted rocks in it and shows just how easy it is to paint rocks. I am not a real good painter but, I do plan to give it a try. Instructions and ideas in this book are great even for a beginner like me.

I couldn't help it, it sounded so fascinating when I was invited to a "rock party". A friend held it, and all of us got together at her place. She had a bunch of field rock, (though I've heard smooth river rock is good also) and she had cleaned them all up and they sat, waiting on her front step. We took turns choosing the rock that "spoke to us" and brought it into the house for some good old fashioned gossip and a fun project with friends. Oh, yes, we had doubts! Halfway through those rocks were UGLY, and we took a few chip and salsa breaks so we could look at them from a distance (they looked better that way- Laugh!). But- amazingly enough- when we finished the last step, perfectly outlined in the book- our rocks looked GREAT!! I actually DISPLAY mine in my little rock garden, and get so many comments on their "uniqueness". What a fun idea! And takes almost no $ to get started, if you're like me, you already have the simple materials lying around from previous projects!! Great book, simple instructions, great tips and pointers- even for the novice.

Painting Pets on Rocks is a fabulous step by step instructional book. My students (1st through 7th grade) created fabulous rock paintings following these easy-to-follow instructions.

Teach an old dog new tricks? Absolutely, provided the pooch in question is Blue Dog, that colorful canine spawned from the mind of Cajun artist George Rodrigue. (For those no up to their four-legged friends fodder, the cobalt canine with the yellow eyes is based on three of the artist's now-dead dogs, and was first immortalized on slick papers back in 1994.) Who says a sleeping dog must lie? This babe is everywhere: portraits hang in the White House, on the set of "Friends" and in fan Whoopi Goldberg's abode; Blue Dog also stars in an Absolut ad. This volume boasts 60 gorgeous never-before-published paintings, along with commentary by Rodrigue on the birth of Blue Dog and its transformation into a pop culture icon. Tom Brokaw, an avid Blue Dog collector, wrote the book's forward. The cat's meow. Really.

You just can't fully appreciate or understand the scope and delight of Blue Dog until you read this book. I adore Blue Dog. This silly, goofy blue dog provokes emotions in me that I have not experienced with art before...there is some strange, sad, beautiful, eerie, rapturous, haunting, joyful essence to this darn dog. This book is completely unique, fun, inspirational...I could go on and on. You just have to touch this book (the cover is fuzzy!) and open it...you will be hooked. The best coffee table book and a sure conversation starter, though that is hardly its value.

Any book with more of Blue Dog is great. This features more of the pop art world of Blue Dog than the previous books of Rodrigue's work. (I actually like the paintings of Blue Dog in cajun settings best.)

Ms. Weinstein is a woman blessed with many gifts. Several of these gifts are skillfully applied in Cat Book. Her monoprints in oils capture the essence of each feline featured, and the accompanying prose clearly reveals this author's passion.

The artwork is pleasing to the eye, and each story pairing cat and human is either humorous, heart warming, or touching. Ms. Weinstein's insights into taming feral felines, cat behavior, and maintaining optimum health are priceless.

If you count a cat lover among your family or friends, or if you are a cat lover yourself, Cat Book would be an ideal gift for any reason or season.

I highly recommend it.

I this small compact volume called simply Cat Book, artist Emily Eve Weinstein has created an enchanting and beautiful compilation of paintings and real life stories of our feline friends. With pictures and heartfelt sentences, she introduces us to over fifty kitties.

Weinstein's creations are awash with colour and life and often make you smile. Some of her pieces look almost avant garde and a few resemble puzzles but the cat hidden away in the bold brush strokes makes his or her presence known eventually. The accompanying narratives and anecdotes only make this slim volume that much more enjoyable.

Ms. Weinstein is a firm supporter of animal shelters, rescue agencies and welfare groups and some of these agencies are using her book as a fund raiser. The last few pages also discuss Neuter/Spaying programs, alternative pet care and other valuable information for pet lovers. Cat Book is a must read, whether you're a cat lover or not...

Written and illustrated by Emily Eve Weinstein, Cat Book is both a unique original art collection and a memoir/celebration of beloved feline friends. Weinstein's vividly crafted, full color monographs deftly capture the fur, love, and kinship of a variety of different four-legged hunters, and her words tell the unique life story of each animal, whom she got to know. Cat Book is enthusiastically recommended reading for cat lovers!

This book has great, inspirational photos and very good instructions. My main disappointment with it is the authors attitude toward silk paints (i.e., not dyes). I have used several varieties of the paints that are made to mimic dyes and find them to work very well, leave the silk soft and be very easy to use. They are a great way for a beginner to get started and try most of the same techniques used with dyes without the hassle of steaming or the toxicity. I am glad that I had some experience silk painting before I got this book because her attitude would have discouraged me from every trying. Aside from that - it's an excellent book, worth the price and full of great pictures to inspire you.

This is THE best book I have read on silk painting and I have't seen another to better it in the past 10 years. There ARE other books on the same subject that are good, but I certainly haven't felt the need to purchase another since I thumbed through this beauty!

Everything you could possibly want to know in relation to silk painting is covered in a consise and presise manner. This is supported by photo demostrations for various techniques not easily explained through the written word. The authors pratical experience shines through in the text and fablously gorgeous photos of her and other artists work.

The book is full colour with lots and lots of sensational photos. Much of the silk painting shown is very detailed work eg flowers, pictures; rather than overall "textures" or designs which is more often what you find in other books on the same subject.

Seriously consider this fantastic book if you are interested in this subject, it is worth every $, if only for the inspiration provided by the fablous photos

Very good and to the point.

I am a newcomer to painting and I found Ann K. Lindsay's Watercolor: A New Beginning to be extremely helpful! The book is full of information, presented in a way that those of us who don't have experience or education in art can understand. I found her teaching exercises to be both fun and useful. Linsay has a talent for encouraging the reader to tap into their own creativity, using water color as the means. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to explore the art of watercolor painting.

I've been wanting to paint with watercolor but all the books out there does not even describe how difficult the medium is. I'd follow the instruction only to find a dissapointing result that my painting looks nothing like the illustration. More over, many of the equipments (such as paper, brushes, paints) are all way too expensive to allow me for a 'mistake'.

Following the instruction in this book, there is no wrong way or result. In fact, it brings the fun back to the art, the main reason why I picked it up in the first place! There's plenty of time and exercises for experimentation and developing a feeling of how the watercolor works, rather than heavy logical technique of mixing colors, brushing strokes, etc. Best of all, this book only require minimum equipment with only 3 brushes and 4 tubes of paints!

I highly recommed this book for someone who is a beginner and sensitive about their art, like me. I'd recommend this also for children or adult who have been having a bad experience in painting/drawing in the past. It has surely encouraged me to paint some more, without guilt. A truly enjoyable book!

This book unwraps the path to creativity and joyful expression, savoring color and light, and making the making of art accessible to anyone. I was in tears just reading the first few pages. What's more, I was in action: I cleared an area so I would have an artist's corner; I got out my dusty water colors (put away in discouragement after my last university class in the medium), and started to experiment with paint. What fun! The author simply won't let us get stopped or stuck by the noises in our overly critical heads. This book is like an invitation to come out and play, and this is one playground I want to explore for a long time to come. I have no aspirations to become a professional artist, but having this kind of access to the creativity inside has affected every area of my professional and personal life. My family and clients thank you for who I am becoming. Thank you, Ann K. Lindsay, wherever you are. You've helped this coach and writer blast through artist's block.

Don't get me wrong, I like this book, and I'm glad that I made the purchase, it's just a little much for me. The knittig patterns are too complicated for me. I had my mom, an experienced knitter, look over it and make me a sample sock, but she couldn't get the basic heel part to come out right. I've yet to try spinning my own yarn, but I'm very excited to try. The pictures are beautiful! I like looking at them, even if I can't make pretty socks yet =( They even have toe socks!!!

Even if you are not a spinner, this book provides excellent basic information on how to create your own multi-colored yarns. You don't even have to use the dyes discussed in the book. My friend and I have had great success dyeing roving and yarn using this book. Vogel also discusses how to make the best out of multi-colored roving -- how to split the roving, how to spin it for different effects.
She covers several basic cast-on, cast-off, and heel methods for socks as well as giving a basic sock pattern that even my mom is able to follow and use. The example socks are beautiful. She writes in a clear, concise way that I found helpful.

Why is the Twisted Sister Sock Workbook always getting sold out at yarn and fiber shows? Because it's a great book! It not only teaches a beginning to intermediate knitter how to knit a basic sock, but it then proceeds to expand your creative mind with myriad variations on a theme. You learn about multiple ways to turn a heel, various toe treatments, after-thought heels, knitting flat, knitting a tube, selecting yarn, dying yarn (ha! you probably didn't expect that from this book), various top-edge treatments, Fair Isle patterns, and on and on! This book gives you so many ideas that rather than make you follow a boring pattern to make your socks look like the ones in the book, you get so jazzed you can't stop improvising and creating. You'll be making your own unique works of art for feet in no time. I find myself often browsing through the book in the evening just for the pure enjoyment of the photos, artwork, and enthusiasm. Twisted Sisters is a book that will kick your creative expression to a new level.

I just returned this book because I thought the colors were too bold, garish in some cases. For example, imagine a combination of black, salmon pink, and pistachio green. If you are daring this book could work for you. But if you are an all-white-wall person like me, just branching out, I think you better pick another book.

My wife and I found this book very helpful in choosing colors for our house. We didn't go with any of the combinations in the book, but we were able to pick the color for the house and then came up with our own trim color. The book helped to clarify the process and inspired us to make the right choices.

This book was the answer to all of my paint color needs/questions. It's such a waste of time to sift through all the paint chips in the paint store when you can simply use this book. It has, for me, become a "holy grail," listing paint colors that have worked in virtually every room in my house. After painting two rooms, with the help of this book, I felt that I didn't need to worry about choosing paint colors for my unpainted rooms. I trusted from the success of my two freshly painted rooms, that the colors in this book would work.
AND BOY DID THESE COLORS LOOK SUMPTUOUS!
I wish that I could include photos in this review, because words simply cannot describe how beautifully my home turned out. Thank you Bonnie Krims! If you don't want to waste any more of your time laboring over paint chips, try this book. You won't be disappointed.