The Draw Squad!, Adventure One: Escape Of The Twinkies!

Captain Mark Kistler, of National Public Television's The Secret City, is the wacky host and instructor for this initial tape in a projected series of drawing instruction videos for kids. Enhanced by clever video special effects, the program preaches "pencil power," and with trusty No. 2 grasped firmly between thumb and finger, invites children to use their imaginations in bringing their creations to life. The key to Kistler's approach is perspective; he demonstrates numerous principles (the 10 magic words) such as foreshortening, shading, contour lines, overlapping, etc., which are designed to give kids' pictures an authentic 3-D look. While older children will probably find Captain Mark a bit too corny, younger kids will delight in drawing the daring escape of Billy Bob and Martha Jane, a pair of Twinkies breaking out of a grocery store; the deluxe, air-conditioned, high-rise palace of Super Twinkie; and a 3-D banner for their own drawing club. Kistler also shows numerous examples from the "student gallery," and invites viewers to send in their drawings to The Draw Squad club. Ordering information is also given for Kistler's book, Mark Kistler's Draw Squad, so libraries might want to have this on hand, as kids are sure to ask for it. Infectious and inspirational, The Draw Squad! will have kids reaching for their pencils and experimenting with their own ideas in no time. Highly recommended. (Available from: Baker & Taylor Video, 501 S. Gladiolus, Momence, IL 60954.)