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Review by
Louella Moreland Are
you looking for a great way to use the family computer with your
kids but are concerned that too many computer games could be
stifling their creative juices? Check out Carol Sabbeth's book
"Crayons and Computers," full of great projects to use with the
computer. Projects can be made with either a Macintosh or a PC with
Windows. All that is needed is a computer and printer (color ink is
optional). Some projects do require adult supervision and are so
noted.
An introduction in the front of the
book tells parents or teachers what materials will be needed, along
with a comparison of the basic software, tools and options. Pros and
cons of software are also briefly discussed, and anyone unfamiliar
with the use of "drawing" software can pick up a few hints on these
pages. Before using it with a child, exploration with the actual
software by an adult would probably be a good idea. Children who are
adept with mouse and computer may already have explored the use of
this software.
Chapters are set up to explore the
use of color. Beginning with primary colors, Ms. Sabbeth goes on to
explain "temperature" of colors, complementary colors, seasonal
colors and how colors can make you feel. Famous artists are covered
in Chapter 2 with a brief explanation of their life, style of art
and how to create a project based on their style. Not all projects
are two-dimensional either! From a water lily picture in Monet's
impressionistic style, to a decorated cereal box a la Van Gogh, to
Pixel Cartoon books like Walt Disney movies, visual art is explored,
explained and brought into a child's world with easy-to-complete
projects using common materials from home… and the family computer.
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According to the author, Mother
Nature's colors may by far be the most useful. Children explore
habitats and the way insects and animals perceive, through learning
how colors attract mates, how camouflage helps them hide or how
warning markings protect. Projects with a "disappearing" fish or an
earthworm can teach scientific principles in a fresh, innovative
way.
Sprinkled throughout "Crayons and
Computers" are interesting history lessons. Did you know that the
color purple came about by accident? A young chemist was trying to
make a substitute for a medicine. While mixing chemicals, William
Henry Perkin noticed a purple-colored substance that he thought
could be used to dye cloth. Spending the life savings of his father
and older brother, the family did market the new product, making
Perkin a wealthy man. They called the new color "mauve."
A chapter of the book is devoted to
Internet exploring as well. Along with a bibliography, index, charts
comparing software, and helpful hints to adults and educators, this
book offers many ways to expand computer use by kids.
To check out this book or more
conventional craft and project books, visit us at the Lincoln Public
Library, 725 Pekin St.
[Louella Moreland, youth services
librarian,
Lincoln Public
Library District]
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