(2) K-3 Starting from the out-of-order table of contents inviting readers to "choose your own order of scribbled adventures," this art history/hands-on exercise book not only covers a lot of ground topically but does so in an unconventional and playful manner. Five tutorials introduce concepts such as line, scale, contrast, texture, and pattern. Interspersed among the tutorials are discussions about drawing and the purpose of art. A whimsical intermission in the middle of the book asks readers to look at and then try drawing cute baby animals. Haidle completes the phrase "drawing is..." many times, with such unexpected answers as "two-dimensional traveling," "wondering," "feeling," and, perhaps most surprisingly, "not knowing." Each discussion is paired with illustrated examples and quotes from well-known contemporary and historical figures. For example, drawing is "magic" because it can allow you to "draw your way into a new mood" or "draw your own sense of belonging." The tutorials pair nicely with the last section, a series of hands-on exercises in which theory is applied to practice. Haidle's illustration style is unusual, combining human and animal forms, visual sequences, and humorous depictions of abstract concepts. This comprehensive introduction provides much fodder for artistic growth and experimentation.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) 4-6 Companion to Haidle's Before They Were Authors, this illustrated collective biography features six successful children's book artists with varied life circumstances: Wanda Gág, Maurice Sendak, Tove Jansson, Jerry Pinkney, Yuyi Morales, and Hayao Miyazaki. A double-page spread introduces each subject, showing the artist as a child next to one of their well-known books with a speech bubble highlighting a personal quote. A brief timeline with a few important dates and events appears at the bottom. From there, a comic-panel narrative provides an effective overview of the illustrator's life, including challenges and motivations, and details how they become established in their careers. Haidle's illustrations ably reflect each illustrator's work. In an introduction, Haidle explains what the six illustrators have in common: "In all cases, inspiration from someone else helped pave the way: another artist, animator, cartoonist, or painter whose books, films, or paintings moved hearts and imprinted themselves on minds." Source notes and a bibliography are appended. An accessible entry point for aspiring artists.

Reviewer: Julie Roach