VISITING THE ART MUSEUM

In picture-book format, an introduction to art museums and the best strategy for visiting them with small children: a documentary with information and typical comments (""Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom""; ""Wow! A nude frisbee player.""--Greek Discus Thrower) added in cartoon style. Extricating themselves from a busy kitchen and TV, Mom, Dad, boy (8?), girl (5?) and baby visit ten galleries (primitive, Egyptian, arms and armor, 20th-century abstract and pop, etc.). Each double spread shows the family in a gallery furnished with artifacts from various museums as drawn by the artist, plus one identified photographic reproduction. The art, from Copley's Watson and the Shark to Warhol's soup cans, is well chosen for child appeal. The total visual effect is rather miscellaneous, but a commendable amount of information is conveyed. All the art-works are further identified at the end, where ""Tips for Enjoying an Art Museum"" are also found. The message, that kids will gain something from a museum even if they don't like everything and tend to make negative comments, comes across clearly. More emphasis on the wisdom of a brief first visit concentrating on high-interest items might have some merit, and ensure that more parents hear the boy's last remark: ""Mom, when are we coming back?