Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids

Starred review from February 28, 1994
With its simple prose, handsome layout and hands-on approach, Thorne-Thomsen's biography/activity book is an unusually effective art book for children. The influences of Frank Lloyd Wright's (1867-1959) Wisconsin childhood--nature, music and close family ties--come to life in the author's sympathetically told anecdotes. Extensive accounts of masterpieces like the Robie House, Hollyhock House and Fallingwater give heft to a comprehensive overview of the architect's career, which candidly notes his frequent trouble finding work. Twenty-one projects, ranging from making a plaster model textile block to preparing oatmeal (a Wright favorite), comprise the book's second half and nicely complement the portrait of a compelling artist. The edible graham-cracker-and-icing model of Fallingwater is priceless. Somber black-and-white photos, line drawings, a glossary, bibliography and list of houses to visit are included. Ages 8-up.

July 1, 1994
Gr 4-6-This attempt to combine biography and activities falls short on both counts. The biographical portion generally oversimplifies and sanitizes Wright's life, glossing over or ignoring major events (his desertion of his wife and family in 1909, his subsequent marriages and divorces) and his unconventional life style. Information is provided on many of the architect's most famous and significant buildings, but inexplicably the Guggenheim Museum isn't mentioned. The book begins with a helpful glossary, but lacks an index. Numerous black-and-white photographs illustrate the text. At first glance, the projects appear to be interesting. However, many are appropriate for older readers or for youngsters under close adult supervision-a safety precaution that is never suggested, although cooking, baking, and cutting are often required. Several errors further mar the text. An interesting exercise in abstract drawing refers readers to a nonexistent photograph and realistic drawing on the next page. Children will be better served by Yona McDonough's Frank Lloyd Wright (Chelsea, 1992).-Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin

April 15, 1994
Gr. 4-6. This eclectic volume begins with Wright's childhood and education, explores the stages of his career and his milestone buildings, and concludes with a series of recipes, projects, and crafts loosely based on his life and art. The horizontal format allows space for photographs and drawings, which appear throughout the book. An addition that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't is the section of activities, from "Cooking Frank Lloyd Wright's Favorite Breakfast" (a recipe for steel-cut oatmeal) to "Learning More about the Basic Geometric Shapes" to "Building a Cantilever and a Model of Fallingwater with Graham Crackers" (!). Throughout the book, the photos of people and buildings provide real insight into the subject. An unusual and appealing introduction to Wright. ((Reviewed Apr. 15, 1994))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1994, American Library Association.)