Roy's House

K-Gr 4—Pop artist Lichtenstein is best known for his larger-than-life paintings composed of dots and featuring black outlines, primary colors, and comic book themes, but it's a photo of the sculpture House 1, created to his specifications, that opens this volume. Readers are invited to "come on in!" and take a tour of the abode, his living room, with a "great big couch," a bedroom with "yellow pillows and lamps," and a counter where they can sit and "have a tasty snack…maybe a hot dog in a bun." Each highlighted room, nook, appliance, or food item is an image from a Lichtenstein oil, drawing, or screenprint. The text, which reflects the hyperbolic tone (and font) of many early comic books (and his paintings), serves to highlight the art in the book; thus the image of a ringing phone ("R-R-R-R-Ring!") stands opposite the words "In Roy's House, A Telephone Rings. COMPANY IS COMING!" An endnote and information on the images included fill in a few details. Steer older students to Rubin's WHAM!: The Life and Art of Roy Lichtenstein for material on the artist's life, influences, and processes.