(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: You Should Meet series. Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu. The Japanese artist, fashion designer, and writer Yayoi Kusama "never stopped following her dreams." Readers learn about Kusama's childhood and career, from Japan to New York City and back; the focus is on her creativity and determination in the face of obstacles (for example, plagiarism of her work by male peers, including Andy Warhol). The cleanly designed early reader features illustrations bursting with color, many pages featuring Kusama's signature polka dots. Some loosely related facts about Japan, art, and artists, along with a comprehension quiz, are included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ellen Weinstein. With reproductions of works by Yayoi Kusama. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama (born in 1929) is known for her distinctive polka-dots. Rather than a full-scope biography, this picture book is an origin story and examination of Kusama's artistic worldview. MoMA curator Suzuki writes informatively and accessibly, especially in explaining heady concepts essential to this artist. The illustrations are precise and clean-lined, and Weinstein makes creative use of Kusama's whimsical Pop Art palette and the dot motif.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018