Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids

July 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-While readers may be impressed that Frank Lloyd Wright started his architectural career with only seven dollars in his pocket and was living on a diet of bananas, this revised and expanded edition does not offer much more content than the previous edition. Although information regarding Frank's mistresses, marriages, and subsequent children as well as projects completed later in life (the Guggenheim, S. C. Johnson Wax building, Seth Peterson cottage in Michigan) are now included, much of the verbatim content has simply been reorganized into more chapters and subsections. The 21 hands-on activities for kids are nearly identical to those that appeared in the previous edition, with the exception of a modified origami activity; seasonal festival projects, which are now divided into two separate activities; and the addition of a seemingly unrelated Japanese butterfly kite craft. Many of the activities suggest specialty materials that will require a trip to the store to purchase items that readers won't easily find at home, such as small pieces of glass or plastic, specific types of sketching paper and pencils, and plaster or sand. With a text that assumes a basic knowledge of architectural concepts (such as lack of definitions for words like "gable," "horizontal," and "vertical") and spreads of activities that appear randomly mid chapter and detract from the text, this book may have limited appeal to general audiences.-Meaghan Darling, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 28, 1994
With its simple prose, handsome layout and hands-on approach, Thorne-Thomsen's biography/activity book is an unusually effective art book for children. The influences of Frank Lloyd Wright's (1867-1959) Wisconsin childhood--nature, music and close family ties--come to life in the author's sympathetically told anecdotes. Extensive accounts of masterpieces like the Robie House, Hollyhock House and Fallingwater give heft to a comprehensive overview of the architect's career, which candidly notes his frequent trouble finding work. Twenty-one projects, ranging from making a plaster model textile block to preparing oatmeal (a Wright favorite), comprise the book's second half and nicely complement the portrait of a compelling artist. The edible graham-cracker-and-icing model of Fallingwater is priceless. Somber black-and-white photos, line drawings, a glossary, bibliography and list of houses to visit are included. Ages 8-up.