The Warlock

June 1, 2011

Gr 2-6-The titles in this series introduce young viewers to a variety of artists and their work. In this program, Puffer the puffin goes to Florence, Italy, where his friend Polly teaches him about Renaissance artists. Elements of the Renaissance are briefly introduced and then information about Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael is presented. A brief biography of each artist is presented, and two examples of his art are examined in detail. The material in the DVD is based on the book (Crystal Prods., 2010) by Pamela Geiger Stephens. Jim McNeill's soft, computer-generated illustrations are simply animated. There are also photographs of these masterpieces: "5 Grotesque Heads" and "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci; Michelangelo's "Pieta" and "The Creation of Adam" (carefully framed for elementary audiences); and Raphael's "The School of Athens" and "St. George and the Dragon." This simple yet interesting introduction to an important part of our artistic heritage will be embraced by art teachers for use with young students.-Teresa Bateman. Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
Grades 7-12 It's almost over, isn't it? After all, Nicholas Flamel is dying, and Perenelle will soon follow. Dr. John Dee has stolen the Codex, the twins Josh and Sophie have been alienated from each other, the Shadowrealms are crumbling, and Dee plans to destroy the world. Readers of the intelligent, complex series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel will be delighted that folklorist and mythologist Scott still has plenty of plot twists and magic in store. Replete with familiar and new characters and even a trip back to Danu Talis, this next-to-last installment will not disappoint.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)