Bob Raczka's 3-D Sculptural Alphabet is an attention-getter with its cover featuring the Claes Oldenburg "Spoonbridge & Cherry" on the grounds of the famed Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. It's fun to be there when a school group visits, and listen to their comments and 'flights of imagination'.
Inside this delightful book the bright 'spoon' assemblage is faced with "table with pink tablecloth." Aren't you surprised that Formica is part of that piece of art (owned by Chicago's Art Institute)? Sculpture in public places increases the possibility of enrichment from art for all of us. During the last few decades we have seen fewer generals on horseback and more imaginative & abstract subjects decorating city plazas.
Reviewer mcHaiku rather envies Bob Raczka, seeing him as an author who can make children laugh, and also inspire their recognition of art in everyday surroundings - and he accomplishes this without the task of writing very many words! In fact, he must greatly enjoy seeing the books created from his own favorite choices of art works. These, in various sculptural forms may be some that children don't often see in books, or on classroom walls. Some artists like Picasso share several different kinds of art; others may practice one form of creativity. How fortunate we are, how wealthy to have our lives enriched by this series and other books 'aimed' at children.
Living in an under-populated rural county is not all bad. Ours is the buckle on an "art belt" - with Columbus & Bloomington, Indiana, on either side, and having fine sculptures by these artists to discover: Jean Paul Darrieu, Jerald Jacquard, Henry Moore, I. M. Pei, Jean Tinguely, some featured in Bob Raczka's book. There are three large outdoor pieces by Jacquard on a hillside just down the road from us. A feeling of exhilaration and creative urge is bound to invade the blood stream by such proximity.