Drawing with Mark: We All Scream for Ice Cream and Happy Tails

Gr 3–5—Mark Marderosian has created art for such media and toy giants as Disney, Universal Theme Parks, and Hasbro. Some of his best known characters include Mulan, the Little Mermaid, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. His "Angels from the Attic" comic strip appears in newspapers nationwide and is the inspiration for his television series, Drawing with Mark. This program includes two episodes from the show, each featuring visits with a "friend in the neighborhood," two drawing lessons in the "magic attic," animated shorts, some facts and trivia, and a suggested reading list. Marderosian has a quiet, patient manner that works well with his informational patter as he demonstrates each drawing technique. He uses a foundational line and basic shapes that young children will be familiar with to build his dog and cat characters. Each drawing begins with a light sketch using multiple pencil strokes to allow enough time for kids to follow along. Concepts like the 45-degree angle and perspective are introduced during his more advanced drawing of an ice cream truck. While children below the age of eight will love the neighborhood visits and the animated segments, the drawings will require the more advanced dexterity of older children who likely will be bored by the additional features. Parents may find it a useful rainy day diversion, but libraries should only consider it as an additional purchase.—Cary Frostick, formerly Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA