Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse

An inspiring portrait of one of the world's most loved artists

There was once a boy named Henri, whose dreams were full of color even though his hometown was dreary and gray. His parents expected him to learn a trade when he grew up, but being a law clerk bored him, and he continued to dream of a colorful, exciting life, and of being noticed. Then Henri started painting . . . and kept painting and dreaming and working at his craft until he'd become one of the most admired and famous artists in the world.

This lyrical, visually rich picture book is more than an excellent biography; at its core, this remarkable book is an encouragement to never give up on your dreams.

"For a boy whose 'dreams were full of color,' life in Henri Matisse's industrial village is bleak. Young Henri is a source of anxiety for his hardworking parents, who fear he will never make a living; his departure for Paris to study law comes as a relief. Berry (Woof: A Love Story) ties her mixed-media artwork to Matisse's growth and eventual embrace of art. Scenes of Matisse's upbringing and dreary work as a law clerk are drawn in pencil, but when he begins painting, his life transforms. 'The moment Henri opened that box, he knew. The colors! This was what he had been dreaming of,' writes Parker (When Dads Don't Grow Up). Berry then fills her spreads with vibrant acrylic paintings and collage artwork, integrating flamboyant patterns and tropical motifs that echo the work that Matisse tirelessly creates ('He worked as hard as any artist ever had. He worked until the very day he died'). Readers whose talents stray from the conventional should welcome this joyful affirmation of creative expression. Ages 3 — up. (Nov.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Dandelion Duckling is ready to explore all by himself. Soon he's paddling across the pond to visit his friends - Dragonfly, Little Polliwog, and the Centipedes. Mama is watching closely. When she sees danger, she sounds a warning, and Dandelion scoots right back. But one day not even Mama sees the weasel. Can Dandelion remember what Mama taught him - before it's too late?

Keesia and Henri Matisse have the same birthday—New Year’s Eve! That’s why she picks him for her artist report. She finds out that over his long career Matisse made paintings, sculpture, books, costumes, and her favorite—his cut-outs, or what Matisse called “drawing with scissors.” The report is filled with about 20 of Matisse’s masterpieces as well as artwork that Keesia has created in his “style” (cut-out leaves, drawings through windows, fauvist animals). As she follows Matisse through his life she discovers why he is considered one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century.

An endearing celebration of dads who are young at heart

Just in time for Father's Day, this playful book follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap and watching cartoons and taking part in shoppingcart races. These are dads who aren't worried about looking goofy or getting their hair wet - dads who still remember what it's like to be little. Don't be fooled. They may look like grown-ups on the outside, But underneath they're just like you . . . Kids!