Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club — Niki Daly

Fifth-grader Bettina Valentino couldn't be a bigger fan of the funky new art teacher at Bayside Prep, who walks around barefoot to soak up the energy of the earth and is full of inspiring lessons about how art can be used to challenge, shock, and surprise. But when the teacher's unconventional methods get him into trouble with some influential parents, it's up to Bettina and some of her art-loving friends to nip the controversy in the bud and support freedom of artistic expression.

In his first chapter book, Niki Daly gives readers a quick-paced, profusely illustrated story about a boisterous heroine -- as well as tidbits about famous artists such as Picasso, Klee, and Warhol.