Susan Raben (Library Media Connection, March 2006)
Once again, Bob Raczka has approached the world of art in a unique and thought-provoking manner. Twenty-eight paintings ranging from early Dutch masterpieces to modern day abstract works have been organized into 14 pairs. While these paintings would probably never be displayed together in an art museum, there is certain logic to Raczka's choices. Void of text, the reader must search the illustrations to identify relationships and make connections between the two works of art that face each other. Certainly visual art teachers can use this book to work with students in evaluating, comparing, and contrasting different styles of painting. However, of even greater potential is the opportunity to extend beyond the paintings, to observe and reflect, and then respond verbally or in written format to abstract questions and extensions. Older students could address issues in social studies classrooms that deal with historical periods when the paintings were created. As outstanding as Raczka's other books, No One Saw (Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group), 2002) and More Than Meets the Eye (Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group), 2003), this title opens a world of opportunity through the appreciation of art. Educators can only hope that the author will continue to find unique ways of sharing the world of art with his readers.[Editor's Note: Also available in library binding (0-7613-2936-6).] Highly Recommended. 2006, Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group), 32pp., $9.95 pbk. Ages 5 up.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2006)
This wordless book urges readers to think about art in different ways by pairing artworks of diverse eras and styles. The resulting combinations can inspire stories; for example, Rodin's "The Thinker" appears to contemplate his next move on Klee's "Large Chess Board." Although the approach is clever, readers may not linger once they get the punch line. Brief artist profiles are appended. Category: Nonfiction-The Arts. 2005, Lerner/Millbrook, 32pp, 23.93, 9.95. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.

Marsha Harper (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 18, No. 1))
Here’s a clever and funny (but respectful) book about serious art. Author Bob Raczka posits an “alternative museum”--one that breaks from the traditional arrangement of artists’ works hung by period or nationality or genre. He pairs, on adjacent pages, two works of art by artists with very different styles, different genres, from different countries and/or time periods. Yet the pictures have a relationship to each other. For example, Keith Haring’s 1988 cartoon of colored figures in motion is paired with Vermeer’s formal portrait, The Guitar Player. There is no text but children are invited in the introduction to think about the relationship and the funny stories each pair suggests. (From there, of course, it would be but a step to a fun writing assignment or story-telling session in class.) Some prior experience with visiting an art museum would be helpful for the children. Raczka is the author of two other art books for children, More Than Meets the Eye and No One Saw. Both of them encourage children to experience the fine arts in subjective, imaginative, fun ways. The art reproductions are excellent. The whole concept is praiseworthy. Highly recommended for grades 2-5. Nonfiction (750), Highly Recommended. Grades 2-5. 2005, Millbrook, 31p., $23.93. Ages 7 to 11.