Kadinsky and the Blue Rider

Discusses the group of modern artists known as The Blue Rider, who met and became friends in Munich and went on to portray in their art a highly imaginative view of the world around them.

Gr 3 Up--Koja and Miksovsky begin with Monet's early years in Le Havre and move through his life and art in straightforward, chronological order. Drawings, paintings, and photographs enliven the text. Kutschbach's focus is on a group of artists who only came together for a short time, although their influence has lasted much longer. Here, the layout bounces and swirls on the page, with the text changing color, direction, and style. This sometimes makes the narrative difficult to follow. While Klee and Kandinsky are well known artists in this group, the book also brings in the women who were part of the movement. It is a wonderful group to explore. Children should relish learning about artists who freed color and form from reality to intensify its expressive power. One unifying feature of both books is the excellent color reproductions of the artwork. These books are very different, but both will be welcome additions to art collections.

Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library

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