Art Lessons

Unlike most books designed to teach children how to draw, this provocative picture book focuses on ideas instead of technique. The narrator lives next door to Adrianne, an artist who agrees to give him art lessons. In eight brief chapters, we see them drawing in the studio, outdoors and at the art museum, as Adrianne gently teaches the boy how to see like an artist. When Adrianne shows the boy the river's edge where ""water makes a mirror picture of the houses and trees on the opposite shore,'' she reminds him that `` `an artist must learn to look before he draws.' '' One day the boy feels too sad to draw, and Adrianne tells him that `` `an artist draws in sadness and in joy. Whatever happens, he never stops drawing.' '' Schick's lovely, muted sketches underscore the message of her book: `` `How beautiful it all is,' '' says Adrianne walking through the park. `` `Drawing helps us to see . . . ' '' Ages 5-8. (August)