LOOK CLOSER

Desnoëttes offers an accessible examination of 18 art masterpieces from the last seven centuries. On the left of each two-page spread is a color photo of the painting; on the right, blowups of three details. Each of these blowups is on a flap. Lift the left flap (containing two details) and find a series of “Look Closer” suggestions under the flap (“Can you find Vincent van Gogh’s hat?”). On the page beneath, find a description of the painting and the techniques used by the artist. Lift the right flap and find a breakdown of the artist’s palette under the flap. On the page beneath is yet another blowup of a painting detail. Paintings include works by Da Vinci, Delacroix, Monet, Chagall and Picasso. Each painting also gets a one-page essay in the back that places it in historic and artistic context. The paintings are beautifully reproduced, the text concise and informative and the book altogether a gem that should appeal to adults as well. (Picture book. 6-12)