smART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain

by Amy E. Herman, Amy E. Herman

I Spy and Where’s Waldo? get a revolutionary twist in this “fun, eye-opening” ( Booklist ) interactive book that teaches young readers how to fully engage their brains to think critically and creatively.

What would you say if I told you that looking at art could give you the confidence you need to speak up in class? Or that learning the history of donuts could help you think like a super spy and train like the CIA?

smART teaches readers how to process information using paintings, sculptures, and photographs using methods that instantly translate to real world situations and are also fun!

With three simple steps (1) How to SEE, (2) How to THINK about what you see, and (3) How to TALK about what you see, readers learn how to think critically and creatively, a skill that only requires you to open your eyes and actively engage your brain.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Chapter Books, Mental Health

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2022

Reviews

[Beth P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book and couldn't put it down. It is geared towards young readers. I thought it was a quick read and engaging. The exercises were helpful to understand how to train your brain to observe the world. I had already seen some of the artwork in the book, but the exercises were still helpful to understand the concepts.

Unfortunately, there were three typos on the bottom of page 119.

[tess]

idk guys i think i wanted to just make myself smarter and see things most people can't.

[Marie]

Came across this book at an art museum. Interesting, opened my mind to how I could improve my observational skills. Also, in subsequent visits to art museums, I felt it helped me appreciate art better!

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant for more than just kids, this book stretches those mind 'muscles' and explains how to increase those cognitive functions.

I'll admit that I expected quite a few search-puzzles and such, when I first got my hands on this book. That's not what this is...although there are plenty of exercises to give that brain a workout. Instead, this book leads the reader through various activities and explains what each one does and why it works. Readers will leave these pages knowing more about why certain things improve our ability to recognize details around us and have a few hints on how to practice these abilities and improve. And it's a very interesting read, too.

This is broken down into eight chapters, which lead the reader step-by-step down a path to 'improve' the brain. There is quite a bit to read, but the explanations are geared for the young audience and use correlations they'll be able to connect with (like popsicles, detective work, games, etc). It is interesting, and I was surprised how much it draws in although the topic seems as if it'd be dry. I do think that most middle graders won't want to dive into this much depth, yet, but it's great for young adults (and adults) too.

I was happily surprised at the use of famous artwork in these pages. The author gives readers many opportunities to practice the skills on their own, and that mostly through the use of art. These exercises are fun, easy to understand, and use the art in a clever...and very successful...way. Sometimes, the reader needs to turn a few pages forward or back to do the exercise (which is too bad but not really an issue), and these photos do not fill the entire page (which is also too bad, since it'd make the exercises easier to do). Still, each of these does make the tasks entertaining, and they definitely fulfill their purpose.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed diving into this read and I can see especially teens enjoying this one quite a bit. It'd also add a great theme to the classroom setting or even for homeschoolers. I received an ARC and found this to be very well done.

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kid version of "Visual Intelligence," which I have not read, so I cannot compare the two. However, I can tell you that this one was great and fun. If you like activities that work your brain and test your observation and memory, you will enjoy this. It uses works of art as a way to help the reader observe more closely, use more precise wording to describe things, be more objective, and balance perception vs. fact. The tasks given with each piece of art come with practical examples of how that skill works in the real world. I don't know how much someone would get out of this book without doing the suggested activities. I read with pad of paper and pen in hand, occasionally needing a partner. It helped me see how not clear I am in explaining things. For instance you have to describe a picture to someone else and have them try to draw it within like 60 seconds as you are explaining. It helped me see that maybe I point out less important facts sooner than ones that matter more. Details are important. I also enjoyed recalling what was in other artworks by either having to observe than draw from memory or else observe and then answer related questions from memory. Anyway, it's fun. I enjoyed it.

[Joni Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adult, I found it comforting to learn that no matter your age, you can train your brain to be smarter. Some is common sense: slow down, notice details, ask questions, be specific. Using art as the launching pad, the author explains how to truly examine what is seen (Granted, this is problematic for the visually impaired). My main (and big) complaint is that the book is small and the visuals and print even more so. The exercises the reader is supposed to use for practice and skill development are hampered by that fact. It was annoying at first - but then became an obstacle to the point of the whole book. Someone made a really poor decision. Still - the points are well made.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the young folks' version of Visual Intelligence. Don't rule it out if you're over 18. Then go back and read Visual Intelligence. The combination will make you feel ready to work alongside with those to whom you feel diametrically opposed.

[Christy Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and interactive. My 13yo (the one I had in mind when I picked it up) said it was boring, but I caught him reading it several different times, so I suspect he was more interested than he let on. But truthfully, I need to work on the activities in the book more than he does!

[Ne Lth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a lot about smartness and it really helped me

[Omar Figueroa · Rating 3 out of 5]

From time to time I read teen books to provide a playful perspective, this was a relaxing bedtime ready on how to see the world and especially art.

[Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really cool things to think about and do in this book.

Definitely for kids and young adults.

[Linda Wat · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an art teacher, this was a great read!

[FJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun book, with quite a few very engaging and thought-provoking exercises. I just wished the art works were of higher quality (definition) so I won’t need to strain my eyes doing the exercises.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of fun exercises that use art to help you see more and differently and think about what you are seeing and how to describe it.

I found it on a list somewhere and thought my kids might enjoy it... I read it and occasionally tried to get them to do an exercise with me. They did find some of those interesting... but the book itself really just describes lots of exercises that would be better done in a classroom with a Powerpoint than in a book.

If I were a teacher, I could see translating some of these into classroom activities - particularly the exercises on describing what you see, they could be a lot of fun in an English class - but I just don't think it translates really well to book format. There is also an adult version - Visual Intelligence - that was a New York Times Bestseller... maybe that would have been a better read...

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-fiction can be tough to read. This book wasn't. It was engaging, entertaining, and educational. I enjoyed the activities and interactions along the way. I want to go through this book with my kids. And it also gives an old woman that there is hope to keep my brain healthy and growing. Plus it was fun to fill a tiny bit like Shawn Spencer on Physc. Ha

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5. I loved the beginning of this book and thought I would be recommending it to everyone I came across. The first few chapters were fascinating and I still think about some of the concepts that I learned. Unfortunately, after the beginning excitement, it dragged on and eventually felt more boring and repetitive to me.

[Kyly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow down. Observe the world like Sherlock Holmes and you’ll discover all the things you’ve been missing.

[Geri chesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally have a framework for looking at art and making sense of it. Excellent book to help develop visual literacy skills.

[Bike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never too old to learn something new. Love the format and photos. A smart, interesting book that student will enjoy.