Throughout the book, projects are described with simple instructions on how to get started and suggestions for variations and extensions. Lines and Designs, Colours, Shapes and Spaces, Textures and Impressions, Forms. The last third of the book is divided into two sections. Both in its visual appearance and text, the book proclaims its championship of everyday materials. Coil-bound between covers of recycled cardboard, the brown paper pages are illustrated with both simple printed images and coloured reproductions of actual children's artworks which appear to have been cut out and glued in by hand.
Projects consistently emphasize the use of inexpensive and recycled materials.
Interesting for Canadian readers are the instructions for how to use local Indian media like newspaper sticks, straw, mud, and vegetable dyes. Several projects emphasize the importance of working with authentic imagery from local culture and folk traditions, rather than adopting stereotypes from the media. Older children, of course, will want to use this book on their own. Ann Stinner is an art education instructor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained.