Genre: Picture Books_Talking with Artists Vol. 3 by Peter Catalanotto

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS VOLUME THREE. Ill. by Peter Catalanotto, et al. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395891329.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Pat Cummings, an artist herself, highlights thirteen artists in this third series of conversations with artists. She organized the book by dedicating a section to each respective illustrator. Each section begins with a brief self-introduction by the artist. The author’s story is followed by his/her responses to eight standard questions. Cummings also offers a section titled, “Secret Techniques.” In this section, each author reveals an art technique that one can apply. The final section provides the reader with a list of book titles that display the art work of each artist.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is definitely for aspiring artists of all ages. The text is personal and personable. The artists’ biographies were windows into their childhoods, thoughts, and beginnings as artists. The candor with which the biographies were written gave me a sense of connectedness. The joy, passion, and determination these artists have for drawing began at an early age. I pondered about how often I have crossed paths in the school’s halls with future artists and did not honor it.
Consequently, I find this book to be one all parents, teachers, and librarians can share with children who enjoy drawing. The first person accounts in this book made me reflect on how this book can be utilized with certain teachers and students. One specific fifth grade teacher comes to mind. She enjoys art so much that she not only incorporates it in her reading, math, science, and social studies lessons, but she also formed an after-school art club. This would be a great book to share with her so that she shares the “secret techniques” with her students. In addition, she can do a read aloud with each section, asking students to listen for how the artist started, what medium the artist uses, what the artists prefers to draw, and so many more comprehension purpose questions.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
None found.

5. CONNECTIONS
*If you want to tap into the hidden artistic talents of children, this is book is a must.
*Learn about other illustrators’ accounts and their secret techniques in Pat Cummings volumes one and two.