How to Draw California's Sights and Symbols (Kid's Guide to Drawing America)
Grade 3-5-More than purely drawing instruction, these books also  contain information that will be helpful for reports. Each one  begins with highlights of the state's history and an explanation  of basic shapes and lines that will be used to draw its sights  and symbols. The next page discusses the state's name and  nickname and gives basic geographic and demographic information.  The facing page has a full-size picture, usually a color photo,  illustrating the nickname. The third spread gives information  about an artist from that state, including a portrait and  examples of his work. Following sections show the geographic  placement on a U.S. map, provide some information about physical  features, and give information about and steps for drawing the  official seal and the state flag. Subsequent sections show how  to draw the official flower, tree, bird, and landmarks. The  instructions for each item are clearly numbered and formulated  in easy steps that include several explanatory sentences.  Beginning with basic geometric shapes, the pencil drawings are  enhanced with red lines indicating new additions to them, making  the progression easy to grasp. Full-color illustrations show the  completed object. Each book also includes a facts page in chart  form. Children working on projects or those who want to draw  highlights of their own states, or places they have visited,  will appreciate this new concept in art books.Lynda Ritterman,  Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.