Rangoli: An Indian Art Activity Book by Suma O’Farrell introduces the popular Indian art form of rangoli. This book contains many fun varieties of rangoli designs that are great for the imagination, and it is also provides interesting facts about Indian culture. The book starts with a brief explanation of rangoli and a few initial step-by-step examples. It then provides a variety of designs with easy-to-follow colored lines to simplify, inform, and inspire children and teens to draw rangoli.
Using dot grids as the foundation for drawing–a technique followed by millions of Indians over many generations–this art form enables even the most reluctant artist to feel successful. Rangoli can be enjoyed on paper or on the ground. Something that is already enjoyed by so many is sure to strike a chord with kids everywhere.
This book offers more than 100 pages of designs and grids featuring geometric shapes, mazes, optical illusions, 3D images, nature and much more. There are facts about the background behind the rangoli tradition as well as how they create it and why. A colorful map shows the different regions of India and how rangoli differs between them, with beautiful photographs of various examples.
Historically rangoli has been drawn on the ground with rice flour, colored powders, or chalk near the entrance to a home or building as a warm welcome for visitors. But, kids today can draw rangoli on paper for an inside activity or use chalk to draw rangoli outside in nice weather.
I love this book! It makes Madison use her brain! Best of all, it doesn't require any batteries and keeps her busy for hours! It just takes some brain power and creativity. The book truly supports the kids and guides them to how to draw Rangoli. It also enhances your kids visual spatial awareness, refines their motor skills, allows them to practice certain math skills, assists with their handwriting, teaches them to draw, encourages them to develop an interest in art, and exposes them to Indian culture. Madison enjoyed this book too!
Learning, art, and more . . . what more could you want.