In the same format as Georgia O'Keeffe (above), a biography of a painter (1822-99) known for her animal paintings in the realistic Academy style, whose subjects, drama, and often heroic treatment have special appeal for the young. The emphasis on the problems faced by women artists is repeated here; the text is informative but undistinguished (and it's ridiculous to state that the French Bonheur learned her letters by noticing that ``C'' stood for ``cow'' and ``B'' for ``bird''). Still, an adequate introduction to an artist of merit. (Biography. 8-12)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-316-85648-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1991
An attractive fourth entry in Turner's ``Portraits of Women Artists for Children.'' Efficiently, the author uses her large (8 1/2'' x 11'') format to outline the most important themes in Kahlo's life and convey the flavor of her work. The 14 beautifully reproduced paintings are a good sampling of styles and subjects, while the many photos are also well chosen. The heart of Turner's text is her discussion of the paintings; whether realistic or surreal, Kahlo's art is powerfully symbolic, and Turner does a good job of relating the symbols to the life. Among vital influences on Kahlo's work, her Mexican heritage and marriage to Rivera are emphasized; thornier issues—Kahlo and Rivera's tortuous relationship, her political beliefs, her lifelong poor health—are merely touched on. Still, a good introduction to this fascinating painter and woman. Commendably, the sources, media, and dimensions of the paintings are all included in their captions. (Biography. 8-12)
Pub Date: April 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-316-85651-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1993
Killer bees. One of those items on Nature's payroll that seems downright unfair. The African environment shaped a kind of bee with an aggressive protective instinct, conditioned to attack, en masse, threats to the hive. Some Brazilian beekeepers, wishing to invigorate their stock (the American variety of bees are relative wimps), imported the violence-prone African bees. Despite efforts to control the bees, some escaped. Multiplying rapidly, they are spreading north at a rate of about 200 miles a year. Lavies (Mangrove Wilderness, p. 559, etc.) does a yeoman's job of demystifying the killer bees, though the text can be mighty wooden at times. The good news is that these bees are not, individually, a great menace, and that simple precautions in their territory minimizes any risks. Informative, with close-up photos to interest kids. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 8-11)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-525-45243-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1994
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