Art Is Life: The Life of Artist Keith Haring

As he moves through the pages of this picture book, a squiggly halo accompanies Keith Haring, "just like the art that skipped/ and hopped/ and snapped/ and popped/ inside Keith's head." Lewis Brown uses simple sentences occasionally stacked with descriptors to sketch moments in Haring's life, from a childhood drawing on his father's lap to scrawling on subway platforms in chalk and drinking tea with Andy Warhol, crafting a portrait of a much-loved man determined to share his art with many: "Art is for everybody. Art is life. Life is art." Negley's blunt, blocky forms use bright colors, collage-like texture, and Haring-esque shapes to evoke art that made "people smile and laugh and cry and think." It's a warm introduction to an accessible talent. Author's and illustrator's notes include more about Haring's life, including his early death from AIDS. Ages 4-7. (Dec.)

K-Gr 2--This picture book spotlights one of America's most famous pop artists. From his earliest years, Keith Haring (1958-1990) was an artist. Haring, who grew up in small-town Pennsylvania, surrounded himself with art. He drew constantly and anywhere he could. When Haring was 20, he moved to New York City and attended the School of Visual Arts. Haring believed that art was for everyone; he shared his passion for beauty and joy on the streets, in museums, and across the world. He didn't limit his artistic expression to traditional mediums; he drew on the walls of the subway stations with chalk. In 1986, he opened a store in the Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo and called it the Pop Shop. His art spoke to social issues such as racism and drug abuse and championed love and unity. He even painted a mural on the Berlin Wall in 1986. Haring was only 31 when he passed away, but his accomplishments made a lasting impact. Negley's illustrations capture the kinetic energy of Haring's work while carrying readers from one phase of his life to the next. The text is simple but lovely, punctuated by Haring's personal philosophy: Art is life; life is art. An author's note offers further understanding of this icon's creative legacy and life. Resources include one list for children and one for adults. VERDICT An eye-catching addition to school and public library art sections.--Savannah Kitchens, Parnell Memorial Lib., Montevallo, AL