School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-This adorable and informative look at a mouse family that "borrows" a postcard depicting a famous painting is a winning choice. The mice carefully study the portrait, examining each part and analyzing what they see-patterns, colors, lines, shapes, etc. They not only enjoy and appreciate what they learn, but they also individually and collectively decide that they can compose their very own pictures as they now know so much about these artistic elements. This delightful lesson comes to a rather abrupt finale when the humans return home. Wallace and Friedlaender have assembled a charming foray into the world of art, complete with a helpful glossary and lessons on how to make a self-portrait. This is not only an amusing, creative story, but also an adventure into art that encourages originality while inspiring creativity. Great for libraries and elementary art instructors.-Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
A family of mice and a postcard of a famous painting are vehicles for an art-appreciation lesson. Appealing cut-paper illustrations show how the mice focus on details in the painting and also study the color, shape, and line of the work. Final pages of this useful book include a glossary of art terms and an art project. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Three clever mice (budding artists all) deconstruct a famous painting, and use what they learn to explore their own ideas about art. The Bigley family's three resident mice--Alexander, Kiki and Kat--hear the "CLACK" of the mail slot and, knowing the Bigleys are away, rush to intercept the delivery, which happens to be a picture postcard from a friend named Art. "Looking at paintings is wonderful!" his message declares. On the opposite side is the Portrait of Lady Clopton; she's an elaborately dressed Elizabethan lady. Following the advice of the book's title, the mouse trio explores the oil painting through tiny picture frames that they cut from pieces of paper. They discover that they can see the painting in different ways, through its colors, shapes and lines. Armed with this knowledge, they create their own art. There's a handy glossary and a step-by-step art project: "Making a Self-Portrait Picture Postcard." An accessible book, packed with learning opportunities. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
K-Gr. 3. Of the growing number of picture books that attempt to instill art appreciation in a young audience, this title stands out for its charm, usefulness, and age appropriateness. Three mice find a postcard with a painting of a bejeweled lady on the front (a reproduction of Portrait of a Woman0 , by Robert Peake). As they look, they begin to see patterns, colors, lines, and shapes. Their observations lead them to create their own art out of simple shapes made with paper, scissors, and markers. A project at the end provides step-by-step instructions for making a self-portrait postcard. Wallace's collage illustrations of the engaging mice are a fine contrast to the painting reproduction. A glossary of key words, highlighted in red in the text, is included. Deceptively simple, this eye-opening, fresh look at art education offers good opportunities for classroom exercises. --Julie Cummins Copyright 2006 Booklist
