★ 07/17/2023
“The lives of our ancestors were filled with difficulties and danger,” explains this visually stunning global survey of cave and rock art, “and yet, for thousands of years and despite their struggles... they took the time to create.” Ancient artists carved and painted on rock walls, wielding handmade tools and pigments to make drawings whose “figures dance, leap, and run” in glimmering sunset or firelight. Salyer employs ceramic sculpture, photography, colored pencil, charcoal, pigment, and digital media to recreate the settings and details of artistic “time capsules” both ancient and modern-day—one magnificent double gatefold depicts lantern-bearing explorers coming upon extensive cave drawings reminiscent of those at Lascaux. Representing the figures mostly in shadow and silhouette, the vibrant spreads attend time- and place-spanning information about symbols used, now-extinct animals depicted, site specifics (many, for example “have unique soundscapes: Deep, resonant chambers”), and connections to Indigenous communities. It’s a fascinating look at a still-unfurling human history. Extensive back matter includes a geographic overview and a brief background of Lascaux. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)
ANCESTORY: ★ “Vivid . . . mesmerizing . . . intriguing . . . How extraordinary that ancient ancestors call out to us from the rocks we see all around. Excellent explanatory backmatter concludes this fascinating book.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
ANCESTORY: ★ "Breathtaking illustrations capture the beauty and power of prehistoric artwork with remarkable precision. This luminous picture book about humanity’s shared stories is full of discoveries." — Booklist (starred review)
ANCESTORY: ★ "Visually stunning. A fascinating look at a still-unfurling human history." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
ANCESTORY: "An effective, efficient celebration of the human need to tell stories through art." — Horn Book Magazine
ANCESTORY: "In this informative picture book, Salyer uses brilliant images to present the “history” found in rocks and cave art, making a connection between ancient artists and creators in modern times. A lush and vibrant picture book which will leave readers wanting to know more." — Publishers Weekly
PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: "Showing how different animals benefit from living and working in groups, Salyer’s debut is a great example of the inventiveness possible in a nonfiction picture book." — New York Times Book Review
PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: "With supple, richly colored illustrations and enthusiastic text, Hannah Salyer draws readers... into the beauty and variety of wild creatures." — Wall Street Journal
PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: ★ "[An] uplifting, lively picture book that details the various ways a community structure helps a species thrive and survive.... Part natural science, part deep ecology, wholly captivating." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PACKS: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: ★ "A must-purchase for every collection. Salyer offers a beautiful look at Earth’s herding creatures." — School Library Journal (starred review)
02/01/2023
K-Gr 4—In this informative picture book, Salyer uses brilliant images to present the "history" found in rocks and cave art, making a connection between ancient artists and creators in modern times. Due to the topic's broad scope, Salyer asks more questions than she answers, which also reflects the mystery that still surrounds the creation of these artifacts. The outstanding features of the book are its art and powerful message. The ideas that our ancestors took time to create despite the challenges of survival they faced, and that humans' creative drive carries on to this day, will resonate with readers. Multimedia illustrations include photographs of ceramic structures, charcoal, and digital art. The smudged images filled with shadows and silhouettes are reminiscent of cave paintings but clearly executed in a modern style. Salyer depicts realistic artifacts of rock art down to the texture. The book peaks at its double gatefold where "the figures dance, leap and run" in a cave illuminated by flame, the shape of the rock structures making the figures "seem to emerge from the wall." The rest of the book does not rise to this level of informative detail. The back matter (map, author's note, time line, glossary, resource list) may prove too sophisticated for the intended audience and fails to put some terms into context (the definition of "Indigenous" may confuse children). VERDICT A lush and vibrant picture book which will leave readers wanting to know more. Supplement with additional nonfiction resources.—Clara Hendricks
★ 2023-01-25
Prehistoric art “rocks” the world.
This book about rock and cave art around the world introduces children to masterpieces dating back millennia, allowing readers to appreciate unique specimens of ancient creativity and recognize human kinship with distant ancestors who “took the time to create.” The artwork, which relies on ceramic sculpture, photographs, colored pencil, charcoal, pigment, and digital media, teems with vivid images of paintings, drawings, and etchings. These include examples of rock art found all over the globe, with ages noted. Some are especially mesmerizing, presented as if in caves “illuminated” by lantern light, simulating flickering flames, akin to the conditions under which the art was made originally. Salyer makes intriguing points about these works as priceless repositories of history and culture. One example: Many animals depicted in rock and cave art no longer exist; examples of extinct creatures and when they died out are given. The illustrations highlight Indigenous peoples who may “still have distant familiarity with these ancient sites and stories.” The author raises questions about how and why our ancestors crafted their art: “Mapping the stars? Documenting the world around them?” Readers will also learn our forebears used all-natural materials, such as charcoal, ash, and malachite, and tools including flint, shells, and yucca stalks. Excellent explanatory backmatter concludes this fascinating book. Modern-day people are diverse; ancient people are seen in silhouette. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
How extraordinary that ancient ancestors call out to us from the rocks we see all around. (site map; a story within a story: the rediscovery of the Lascaux caves; author’s note; words to know; timeline; resources for further reading and investigation) (Informational picture book. 8-11)
