BOOK REPORT - Sandy's Circus by Tanya Lee Stone

As some of you may know, I am absolutely ga-ga for children's story books. I especially have a liking of story books that bring the world of art in its' many guises to little ones. (This love affair started many years ago with a book called "Linnea in Monet's Garden", simply gorgeous.) Volunteering at the library gives me the opportunity to see many of the newest children's books being published. Today a whimsical book titled "Sandy's Circus" came across my desk.

Written by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Boris Kulikov, Sandy's Circus is the story of Alexander Calder. One of Calder's first creations was a whimsical moveable delight known as Sandy's Circus. Made of 'found objects and materials', paper, cork, bits of metal and string, the circus was a moveable magical wonder. The public lined up to see the circus made of bits and pieces of strings and things.

Anyone who enjoys using found objects in their art may enjoy taking a peek at the book or some of the sites that feature Alexander Calder and his work. This book is a great resource for introducing the fun children can find in making something from the junk that most grown ups (but not their moms!)usually toss in the bin!


http://www.tanyastone.com/index.php?id=41

http://www.calder.org/home

http://whitney.org/Collection/AlexanderCalder