From School Library Journal
Grade 1-5–Raimondo encourages children to look closely at, ask questions about, and thoroughly explore famous works of art. Six surrealists are each represented by one masterpiece (e.g., Salvador Dalí by The Persistence of Memory, Max Ernst by The Couple,and Frida Kahlo by Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States). Each reproduction is accompanied by a short introduction and questions that require readers to take the time to examine, ponder, and imagine; two or more related hands-on art activities are also presented. In this way, youngsters have the opportunity to interpret a famous work of art in their own manner. One of the strengths of this book is the inclusion of artwork produced by children. Brief biographies of the subjects are appended. Although this offering provides only a very basic introduction to the surrealist movement, it offers a wealth of intriguing and easy-to-do activities.–Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From Booklist
Gr. 4-6. This entry in the new hands-on Art Explorers series is tailor-made for budding artists. The focus is on surrealism, and the volume begins with a note to adults summarizing the movement and one to kids encouraging them "to see the world in a new way." One work from each of six surrealists--Dali, Miro, Magritte, Ernst, Oppenheim, and Kahlo--serves as inspiration. Appearing with it is a series of questions designed to help children think about what the artist has created. The following spreads, which are decorated with thumbnail reproductions of kids' original artwork, invite readers to create their own art. The pictures in the limelight have been carefully chosen to reflect a variety of surrealist elements, and each is a springboard for a different kind of project; kids will work in watercolor, collage, crayon resist, and clay sculpture as they learn about art history and how art enriches and reflects life. For classroom or home use, this is an intelligent approach that is also a riot of color and fun. Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
The Art Explorers series offers a new approach to art! Written by experts in the field, it encourages kids to interpret what they see in famous artworks, then try the techniques themselves. Imagine That!: Activities and Adventures in Surrealism, the first book in the series, draws children into the fantastic, imaginative world of surrealism by highlighting the work of six famous surrealist artists. For each artist, a color reproduction of his or her famous artwork is paired with questions to get kids thinking about what they see. A short paragraph explains the artist's intentions, and a bio gives children a peek at the person behind the art. Easy-to-follow activities then provide hands-on experience with the artist's techniques, subject, and media, each illustrated with examples by actual kids. Techniques include collage, watercolor painting, drip painting, drawing, frottage, watercolor resist painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more.

ANNOTATION

An introduction to Surrealism which includes guidance for related activities as well as brief biographies of six artists: Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Max Ernst, Joan Mir, Merit Oppenheim, and Frida Kahlo.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Nonfiction entries explore the arts, sciences and traditions. The inaugural title in the Art Explorers series, Imagine That!: Activities and Adventures in Surrealism by Joyce Raimondo examines six Surrealist artists (Ren Magritte, Max Ernst and Frida Kahlo, among others) and offers creative ideas for children using variations of the artists' methods. Accessibly designed pages teem with blocks of boldly colored prompts and observations, alongside reproductions of the artists' works and those done by children loosely emulating their techniques. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

A fur-lined teacup, melting watches, people made of lace, a giant shaving brush—yes, it is surrealism. Raimondo, who's an artist herself, has produced books and kits for the Museum of Modern Art in New York and conducted children's workshops on creating art inspired by famous paintings. In this lively book she introduces works by six artists, four of whom are surrealists (Salvador Dal￯﾿ﾽ, Ren￯﾿ﾽ Magritte, Meret Oppenheim, and Max Ernst) and two (Frida Kahlo and Joan Miro) whose work shares characteristics with them. After some exploratory questions for young viewers, she suggests several art projects inspired by each artist's work. For Magritte's mysterious Personal Values (1952), Raimondo offers ideas for making collages of a child's fantasy dream house and cut-paper art of mixed-up or upside down skies. Miro's Carnival of Harlequin (1924-5) leads to crayon resists and textured collograph prints of fantastic imaginary animals. Oppenheim's fur-lined teacup suggests meals assembled from found materials and mystery boxes filled with small treasured items. Children are encouraged to make up stories, remember dreams, and create art as strange and different as they please; adults are encouraged to let children explore and do things their own way. From a short explanation of surrealism at the beginning to brief biographies of the six artists at the end, this brightly-colored book invites young artists to discover the world of surrealism and respond to its stimulus. Color photos of children's art work demonstrate that the experience can inspire some delightful, witty, and even extraordinary results. 2004, Watson-Guptill, Ages 7 to 12.

School Library Journal