MICHELANGELO FOR KIDS: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities by Simonetta Carr, Chicago Review Press, July 1, 2016, Softcover, $18.99 (ages 9 and up)
Chicago Review Press has an awesome series of books for kids. They range in topic from Elizabeth I to George Washington and Vincent Van Gogh to Marie Curie. The publisher’s latest nonfiction entry is “Michelangelo for Kids: His life and Ideas with 21 Activities,” by Simonetta Carr, and like its predecessors, it’s completely worth your money.
“Michelangelo for Kids” is an amped up picture book/scaled-down history book, making it both inviting and interesting for readers. The subject: Michelangelo Buonarroti — known simply as Michelangelo.
Michelangelo is one of the greatest artists to ever produce work. Michelangelo is known as a painter, sculptor and architect, painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, carving the “Pieta” and “David,” and designing the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
What “Michelangelo for Kids” does is take readers beyond the art and show them the man. The book follows Michelangelo’s life from beginning to end. It also focuses on Michelangelo’s techniques and his dedication while creating his masterpieces.
In addition to history, “Michelangelo for Kids” offers 21 hands-on activities that mirror Michelangelo’s work across varying mediums. Among the projects are creating a frozen sculpture, building a cart, carving a soap figurine, and building a fortification.
“Michelangelo for Kids” offers a wealth of information. It’s well organized and includes a glossary, key figures, and resources to explore. There is a fairly detailed timeline at the beginning, but I found myself wishing for a specific list of his works.
“Michelangelo for Kids” is entertaining and is exactly the sort of nonfiction book I would have picked up when I was 9 or 10. Though written for children, adults will enjoy it, too. It would be a great coffee table book for art and history enthusiasts alike.
