But if, as parents, teachers, and care givers we can provide outlets where there are fewer rules and more avenues for exploration we’re relieving that stress and allowing for an avenue of creative expression and exploration. Shoes go on a certain foot, zippers only zip one way, chairs are for sitting, etc. I think children can feel the brunt of this the most. There are so many times in our lives where there is only one way to do things. I want to do it with our eggs this year, but we’ll see. That final speckled effect is so crazy cool. Some I felt more confident about than others. And truly with each new technique tried by Max, I felt compelled to try and replicate it on my own. Through them, the humorous undertones can be fully enjoyed. The imaginative turns of the story can only really be understood through such well executed pictures. Extremely realistic, he seems to be poking fun at himself in this story or at least he’s informing the audience that there’s more than one way to paint a canvas or a lizard for that matter. The story would hardly be complete without the amazing illustrations that Wiesner is known for. Art’s amazed and the two begin painting together, working on process vs product. Max does this by spraying him with color, creating an amazing speckled affect. Once he’s been redrawn, he still needs to be painted in. Eventually, Art is just a squiggle line on the ground. Max tries technique after technique to try and help Art but he only succeeds in creating a greater problem. Covered head to toe, Art explodes only to find that his scales are permanently colored. Max convinces Art, or Arthur, that he should be allowed to paint too but is unsure what to paint. Wiesner introduces us first to Max, running through the title page towards Art, who looks like he’s dueling with a canvas. That’s something that Art & Max really highlights, in a number of wonderfully different ways. product but it’s still something that I need to remind myself about. I’ve gotten better these last few years about focusing on process vs.

He’ll do it over and over, something I’m completely fine with. But after those first five/ten minutes he can get really engrossed in a project.

Bug is still hesitant, he hates getting his hands dirty. It’s something that I hope to pass on to Bug and Peanut. Starting with just supplies and ending up with something different is still something that I love, whether it’s painting, drawing, refinishing, sculpture. There’s something magical about the creation process. Synopsis: Max is excited about making art but his friend Art isn’t as thrilled with his efforts.

Art & Max by David Wiesner