Today, I'm heading into the realm of nonfiction and colors with a book about finding and creating colors from things found in nature. I'm more than a little curious to see how this author handles the topic and hope it will be fun as well as informational. If it holds several interesting activities for kids to do during the next weeks of school break, that's even better.
Before I babble on, let's just take a look and see if we should become color wizards too.
Today's post is also part of the weekly MMGM (Marvelous Middle Grade Monday) list, where fans, lovers, and knowers of middle grade literature place their recommendations for the week. If you're looking for literature for this age group (around ages 8 to 12), it's worth taking a look. You'll find that HERE.
HOW TO BE A COLOR WIZARD
Forage and Experiment with Natural Art Making
by Jason Logan
MIT Kids Press
Middle Grade Nonfiction
176 pages
ages 8 to 12
COMING JUNE 10th!!!
“One of the most important messages you can tell young people is that their work is legitimate—that it counts. This book and its spirit take that message one step further and say that anything you can think to make your work from also counts.” —Jon Klassen, Caldecott Medal winner
What colors might await in a leafy forest, a berry-stained back alley, a seaweedy beach, or even the dark corners of an ordinary fridge? With this book as a guide, curious young wizards can make natural confetti, unlock the hidden color power inside a leaf, and craft a paintbrush wand. They’ll brew magic potions from beets and acorn caps to produce their own colors, from the darkest black to the palest pink to invisible ink, then share their discoveries with friends, family, and the whole color-hungry human race. With whimsy and infectious enthusiasm, master ink maker Jason Logan explains the science of color while presenting “quests,” recipes, and hands-on activities using materials kids can find in their own homes and neighborhoods. Featuring both photographs and the author’s own gorgeous homemade-ink illustrations, How to Be a Color Wizard is an ideal blend of art and science—plus a little bit of magic.
What colors might await in a leafy forest, a berry-stained back alley, a seaweedy beach, or even the dark corners of an ordinary fridge? With this book as a guide, curious young wizards can make natural confetti, unlock the hidden color power inside a leaf, and craft a paintbrush wand. They’ll brew magic potions from beets and acorn caps to produce their own colors, from the darkest black to the palest pink to invisible ink, then share their discoveries with friends, family, and the whole color-hungry human race. With whimsy and infectious enthusiasm, master ink maker Jason Logan explains the science of color while presenting “quests,” recipes, and hands-on activities using materials kids can find in their own homes and neighborhoods. Featuring both photographs and the author’s own gorgeous homemade-ink illustrations, How to Be a Color Wizard is an ideal blend of art and science—plus a little bit of magic.
MY TIDBITS
Imagination combines with the world of colors to inspire creative fun and the joy of foraging.
This book inspires readers to become color wizards. After a short introduction, it dives right into the creative 'how-to' of various activities. Readers learn to make their own cloaks, wands, and more as they open their imagination and take a deep dive into the idea of being a wizard. But that's just the beginning. This playful side opens the door to the art of foraging and learning to use the colors found in nature. There are directions on how to create colors from various things found in nature and what to do with them. Even science and a little social sciences slide into the spotlight to give greater depth.
Not only does this book open up to new ideas, but it inspires to an entire project or new hobby. There are symbols, which help readers know how difficult an activity will be and other symbols to show when adult assistance is necessary. In general, the book tries to steer to as much independent work as possible...after all, creativity is an individual wonder. It can be used in all sorts of environments, and this is explained during one of the first sections. There's also a cute section about readers discovering their magical affinity (air, earth, and so on) as it guides through the many places potential colors can be found.
Readers will be inspired to head outdoors and discover the area around them, seeing it from a new perspective. It's something which can be used for group projects, neighbor activities, or individually. There are enough activities to be used for several days or can expand into weeks or more, and works especially well when readers can visit various environments (like on day trips or vacation).
This is a fun read, which not only builds a new appreciation for nature, but opens the door to so much more.
You can learn more about Jason and his work HERE
6 comments:
What a great idea, both entertaining and teaching kids! I love the idea of looking at nature to find colours (though I expect it's challenging). I expect this gives a good insight into early artists and how they managed (without a shop to bye dyes and paints!). Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like a fun way to learn about colors in nature. Thanks for sharing it for MMGM.
Sounds like a great Summer STEM book! And a fun excuse to smoosh berries, and rub dandelions on a sheet of paper.
Such an awesome idea for a book. One that should attract many young readers and this older one! Thanks for featuring the book on this week’s MMGM.
What a great idea for a book! Sounds like a lot of fun. I remember doing some "painting" with flowers back when I was a kid.
What a fun way to get kids out the door and using their curiosity and imagination. This sounds like a terrific book. Thanks for telling me about it.
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