Cartooning from A to Z

Hosted by children's book author/illustrator/television cartoonist Mike Artell, this surprisingly apt tape demonstrates how to draw 26 different subjects--one for each letter of the alphabet. I use the word "surprisingly" because even I, whose handwriting is so frightening that I sometimes put people in mind of a serial killer, was able to draw the alligator, beaver, cat, duck, etc., that Artell amiably demonstrated. In addition to step-by-step instructions for the 26 topics at hand, he reveals useful "tricks of the trade," showing us how simple it is to suggest motion (and smells!) by adding just a few lines to your drawing; how to draw the basic animal face and to hide animal bodies in water; and how to indicate weather conditions. Kids and adults both will have lots of fun and receive solid suggestions that should serve them well, no matter where their artistic interests take them. Warmly recommended. Aud: I, J, P. (K. Glaser)