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Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club
 
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
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Product Description
Fifth-grader Bettina Valentino couldn’t be a bigger fan of the funky new art teacher at Bayside Prep, who walks around barefoot to soak up the energy of the earth and is full of inspiring lessons about how art can be used to challenge, shock, and surprise. But when the teacher’s unconventional methods get him into trouble with some influential parents, it’s up to Bettina and some of her art-loving friends to nip the controversy in the bud and support freedom of artistic expression.

In his first chapter book, Niki Daly gives readers a quick-paced, profusely illustrated story about a boisterous heroine – as well as tidbits about famous artists such as Picasso, Klee, and Warhol.

Product Details
  • ISBN13: 9780374307530
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

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Customer Reviews
Paint Up A Storm
 
Review Date: May 15, 2009
Reviewer: dream factory, Triangulum, M33

Most artists find their style and remain content within their particular personal niche. Maturing and exploring possibilities within their repetativeness. Chagall - Van Gogh - Bacon - Rothko. Great for them. Great for the art community.

Others find a solid personal style, guaranteed art immortality, yet discard it and forge ahead restlessly. Modrian - Pollack - Picasso. Literally changing the world!

What is it like to stand on the other side? At that moment of personal breakthrough. And how can these concepts be presented to our children?

The always heroic / flamboyant Niki Daly accomplishes what many an art instructor has tried in vain. Transcending from from keeping inside the lines to very abstract ideas. Like: "Two holes in a painting doesnt mean that its not still a work of art." "There's something special about art that includes accidents." Daly smoothly passages through the language of Modernism, Pop Art, Cubism, Expressionism while keeping a tight story line intact.

A beautiful story about a 5th grader discovering the possibilities of art. The progressive happenings in an art class and the lives of the classmates. And how art can be used to challenge, shock, and surprise.
A seriously cool book!

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
 
Review Date: July 2, 2009
Reviewer: Yana V. Rodgers, New Brunswick, NJ
Bettina Valentino thinks outside of the box when it comes to art, so no wonder her frustration grows as the art teacher at school continues to emphasize neatness and structure. That is, until Bayside Prep hires a new art teacher who defies conventions, inspires his students, and is utterly divine. Not only does Mr. Popart bring the best out of talented artists like Bettina, he even encourages a shy copy-cat named Ditto to come out of his shell and create some nifty computer art.

All is well until a rich set of parents demonstrate their intolerance of Mr. Popart's flamboyant style by threatening to withdraw their financial support for the school. Either Mr. Popart goes, or their money goes. Who will prevail makes for an interesting story that revolves around how people respond to incentives and how creativity knows no bounds.
For the Love of Art
 
Review Date: August 25, 2009
Reviewer: Erin Johnson, Mankato, MN
Bettina has a bit of a problem: she loves her new art teacher, but Maxine (who is apparently the spoiled-rich-child of the book) seems to want to get him fired. Maxine is also an all-around unpleasant young person, but that's another story...

Bettina is an eclectic young lady who spends her allowance on art camp in the summer and art supplies the rest of the year. She is a talented artist who is interested in various forms. And she loves Picasso. When a couple of assignments go awry because of Maxine's interventions, Bettina wants her parents to know that Mr. Popart did nothing wrong, and that they should do everything they can to keep him. While her parents agree with her, they try to make sure she understands that sometimes things just can't work out. Will it work out in Mr. Popart's favor, or will mean Maxine win the day?

Besides Bettina, Maxine and Mr. Popart, there are some fantastically unique and refreshing characters in this little book: Carmen-Daisy - Bettina's best friend who e-nun-ci-ates her words, Mumsie and Daddles (I love what she calls her parents!), Ditto (who has a surprising part in the story), and Mason and Leo (members of the Picasso club).

Notes on the Cover:
I love the abstract art that lines the top and sides of the book, it really adds to the story and the discussion of art that is in the book. I also love that Bettina is in her artist smock surrounded by the other members of the club. It's colorful, fun and eye-catching!

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