Magic Windows: Ventanas Magicas

Garza, C. L. (1999). Magic windows: Ventanas magicas. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press.

In this book, Carmen Lomas Garza relates her childhood stories, family memories, and Mexican traditions through paper cut-out illustrations. She says these illustrations are like magic windows because when you look through them, you are able to see into another world. Her Grandmother was the first to teach her to use and cut paper for embroidery designs. She speaks of her heritage and culture such as the meaning of the Day of the Death and that in Mexico, death is only part of the cycle of life. She also explains the paper cutout in which her mother's hands are rolling a tortilla, which is also important in Mexico. These stories are portrayed and translated from English to Spanish throughout the book.

This book could be used in an Art Lesson to teach and to help students understand that the use of lines, shape, color, texture, space, and value are basic art elements. This book could also be used to introduce students to traditions and contributions of diverse cultures, such as that of the Mexican Culture. After reading, analyzing, and discussing the art illustrations of this book have students explained how some of Carmen Lomas Garza's illustrations meet the basic art elements. Then have the students draw and color an item from the book that Carmen spoke about and have then write a brief description about the picture. The student may also explain and describe the basic art elements he used to create his picture. Students may choose another item not mentioned in the book, but that is of Mexican Heritage background. 

TEKS: Fifth Grade

(2) By analyzing artistic styles and historical periods students develop respect for the traditions and contributions of diverse cultures. Students respond to and analyze artworks, thus contributing to the development of lifelong skills of making informed judgments and evaluations.

(b) Knowledge and skills.

(1) Perception. The student develops and organizes ideas from the environment. The student is expected to:

(B) identify in artworks that color, texture, form, line, space, and value are basic art elements and that the principles such as emphasis, pattern, rhythm, balance, proportion, and unity serve as organizers.