Bottle Tops: The Art of El Anatsui

by Alison Goldberg, Elizabeth Zunon (Illustrator)

"The life story of Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui, a highly acclaimed African artist, whose tapestries made from repurposed bottle tops have been exhibited throughout the world"--

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Art, Nonfiction, Africa, Biography Memoir, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2022

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something organic and grassroots in this story about an artist who reuses discarded material (bottle caps) to create artwork. #ourownvoices #creativity #thearts

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[asiya | アセヤ (free palestine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After becoming friends with someone who is Ghanaian, all of the books that have been checked out from our library, are all about Ghana!!

This was just such a refreshing read. I highly enjoyed this book even as of right now (I'm a teenager) and probably would have still enjoyed it even when I was a little kid.

It's a fairly new story, it came out last year, but I'm so glad that books like these (that include diverse stories) are now making it into the limelight.

The craft idea at the back looked pretty cute, too. The art that was used to illustrate this book, was so creative and authentic, that it made me miss reading kids books that include stuff like that.

I also think that it's fine for someone, who isn't part of a specified culture (of what the story/book was about/revolved around) to write something about that specified culture, if done WELL. Also, the artist Anatsui, himself, approved of it, sooooooo. Yeah.

Just to clarify my shelving standards for this book, I'm adding a new shelf just for African literature, and I won't be including this story in my "illustrated" section because it's a children's book, and those are usually expected to have illustrations, whereas my "illustrated" category was meant more for books that are novels and have pictures sometimes sprinkled throughout.

Hope that makes sense. It does? Decent.

~

Guys. I am trying my best to catch up with my reading challenge.

These small/short story books (I call them candy-break-snack-reads) are what I will be reading to fill in the missing book gaps.

I am actually so close to finishing The Fall of Gondolin. It's so freaking good.

Okay, I don't want this children's book review to get so long. I'm gonna' end it here. Bye!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of El Anatsui nor seen any of his art. Now I want to visit Ghana and see Anatsui's works. I think this vibrant picture book will lead to the same response in young readers. They will be drawn in by Goldberg's initial description of El searching through the recycling market to find objects for his art. Anatsui's story shows the development of the artist who learned from European traditions but ultimately wanted his work to be grounded in his country. The artist himself reviewed the manuscript, ensuring that it represents him and his work well. Zunon's illustrations capture the flavor of Anatsui's art, as can be seen when comparing them with photos included at the end of the book. Back matter includes sources, as well as instructions for an art activity with recycled materials. Highly recommended!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to be inspired by someone who made it his life's work to use what is available in our world, read the story of El Anatsui, an artist from Ghana. His art has included many things, but this book by Alison Goldberg focuses on his work with bottle tops, those metal or plastic tops that seal, not the screw tops. Goldberg writes: "What other people saw as scrap, El saw as materials with a history–materials with the potential to become art." Elizabeth Zunon's illustrations fill the pages with paint and cut paper about El's journey, first in love with letters before he could even read! Early in life, he wanted to tell his own stories, which are shown by Zunon in brilliant color. The book will be wonderful to share with students, then find ways to be inspired in making art. There is an author's note and one activity added at the back.

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art enthusiasts will enjoy this story about Ghanian artist El Anatsui whose most acclaimed pieces are composed of thousands and thousands of bottle tops. While the details of his life and inspiration are sparse, the process of creating his 30 foot sculpture is fascinating. Bibliography and art activity at the end. Not super compelling but a nice add to an artist section in a biography collection.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating picture book biography of a Ghanaian artist whose techniques—using found items he transforms into art—will be relatable and appealing to young readers. Goldberg's text is clear and inspiring, and Zunon's bright collage illustrations are drop-dead gorgeous.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved this book and read it multiple times so everyone in our family could enjoy it. It sparked such an interest in El, that we found a wonderful film about him on Hoopla and also some YouTube videos. His work definitely needs to be enjoyed and explored more after reading this book!

[Rachel Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great addition to our biography picture book section. Unique art and helps the "what is truly art?" conversation with students. He was also part of the Time 100 World's Most Influential People for 2023. Worth the purchase!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informational book about the life and art of El Anatusi.
I wouldn't have known about this artist without coming across this childrren's book.

Back matter includes photographs of his work, an author's note and a large list of sources.

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to learn more.

[Y.Poston]

interesting art bio of El Anatsui of Ghana

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.yabookscentral.com/bottle...

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the point of the story, but I can't get over that El Anatsui is one of 32 children. That's potentially 24 YEARS of being pregnant (assuming no multiples).

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black History Month
super cool back matter

[Kris Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read something and wished there was a QR code. I wished there was a QR code

[Roberta L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled on this book while waiting for a friend. It was such a delight to read about this artist, whose work is vibrant and stunning.