Outside Art

November 2, 2020
Pine Marten loves “watching Human in its log nest in the woods” but is perplexed when she sees the pale-skinned creator “putting colors on a board using a furry stick.” Chickadee explains that “it is very busy ‘Making Art’!” triggering lively conversation among the forest creatures: What is art? After the animals weigh in based on their experiences, and Grouse declares, “THERE IS NO MEANING!” Cat (who lives with Human and has been “studying The Artist’s work for years”) launches into a hilariously elevated disquisition on Human’s work. As the animals make their own marks in the snow, they arrive at the truth: art can be many things, and making it holds its own meaning. This outside-in approach to an enduringly thorny question is enlivened by gouache and pencil illustrations of a stylized woodland populated by wide-eyed creatures and one wild-haired Human, all busy making their marks on the world. Ages 4–8.

December 1, 2020
A gathering of woodland animals tries to figure out what "Art" is. Looking through the window of a snug log cabin in a snowy clearing, Pine Marten watches Human inside and wonders what Human's up to now. Readers will see that the fairly mature-looking person with light skin and red hair is painting a picture. Chickadee tells Pine Marten it overheard that Human is "The Artist" and is "Making Art." But "what is Art?" the animals who are gathering wonder. Hare thinks it's a signal of danger, Coyote thinks it is "a way to find shelter," and Coyote's pups think it's playing. Finally, the cat chimes in from indoors and informs them it is an expert on what Art is. But the cat's sophisticated (and perhaps tongue-in-cheek) artspeak explanation does nothing to enlighten the animals--and will also be over the heads of most if not all child readers. When Pine Marten has the idea to make marks in the snow with her paws, the other animals follow suit: scratching marks, digging, or just playing. At this point, the narrative stretches laboriously to connect this to the concept of what art is--the disconnect being using animal behaviors as stand-ins for anthropocentric concepts. Happily, the illustrations, with their nature-hued palette, simple, sturdy forms, and good use of white space--suggesting both cozy and outdoorsy--are clearer in their meaning and presentation. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.5-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at 30.5% actual size.) Appealing, cozy illustrations uplift a fuzzy narrative. (Picture book. 4-6)

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January 29, 2021
Grades K-3 In the snowy woods, Pine Marten is drawn to a cabin, intrigued by the human resident and her activities, especially when she spots the woman "putting colors on a board using a furry stick." Up above, Chickadee explains that she is "making art," which, for Pine Marten, doesn't explain much. As more animals gather, a lively discussion ensues about what art is. Hare worries it's a warning; Coyote's pups believe it's a kind of playing; and Grouse insists that art's meaningless. Indoor Cat, a self-proclaimed expert, interjects a lofty, long-winded discourse that only brings further confusion--and disagreement. Then Pine Marten tries her paw at making art in the snow, prompting others to creatively express themselves. Enchanting pencil-and-gouache illustrations depict the natural setting and the cabin's interior, full of playful patterns and varying perspectives. The expressively drawn animals' interactions add drollness, though Cat's assertions may baffle kids in addition to the woodland animals. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining exploration of art's various meanings, for creator and viewer, and how it can engage and inspire.

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