A Child's Book of Play in Art: Great Pictures, Great Fun.

Children will be awed by the diversity of paintings and other art objects reproduced in this oversize eye-astounding book. On each spread, there are up to five works of art that have something in common, and viewers are encouraged to compare the colors, textures, patterns, and other similarities. Possibilities abound for writing, creative drama, and art activities based on the book. In Richard Kidd's imaginative picture book Almost Famous Daisy! (Simon & Schuster, 1996; 32 pages; $16; Grades PreK-3), a young artist off to paint the world is inspired by the work of Van Gogh, Monet, Chagall, Gauguin, and Jackson Pollock, before she settles back home to paint her favorite things. Then share a surreal evening in the country with young Pierre when he visits his neighbors, painter Rene Magritte and his wife, Georgette, along with their flamboyant pal Salvador Dali, in Michael Garland's happily bizarre Dinner at Magritte's (Dutton, 1995; 32 pages; $14.99; Grades 1-3).