Synopses & Reviews
Abiah Rose has always wanted to paint pictures.
“Best not, Abiah Rose,” everyone says. Serious painting is “not girl’s work.” Best not show your paintings. Best not sign them either. But still Abiah continues to make her mark on each of her paintings: a small, hidden rose.
A moving story of feminine strength and perseverance, Signed, Abiah Rose honors the everyday struggles of anonymous women artists whose only encouragement was their own inborn drive to create.
Review
"Handsome and endearing, this picture book is a promising debut for Browning." (Starred Review) Booklist
Review
"I love this little book, which manages in a few well-chosen scenes and wonderful art to tell the imagined story of one of the many women artists — almost all anonymous — who painted in the early years of the American townships. It is a story of talent, perseverance, and challenge." Jane Yolen, award-winning author of Owl Moon, My Uncle Emily, and three hundred other books for children
Review
"I loved this book! The words and the old-fashioned art are equally charming and acquaint us with a little-known aspect of Americana. I say, 'Hurray for Abiah Rose!'" Eve Bunting, award-winning author of more than one hundred books for children
Review
"Lyrically and authentically written and illustrated by Diane Browning, this book has influenced me to stand taller as a woman artist. Read this book — it will give you the courage to claim your space in the world. Bravo!" April Halprin Wayland, award-winning author of New Year at the Pier
Review
As a girl who had to write, I was drawn to this story of a girl who had to paint. Her story charmed me, and I believe it will charm you, too." Karen Cushman, Newbery Medal–winning author of The Midwife’s Apprentice
Synopsis
Abiah Rose has always wanted to paint pictures.
"Best not, Abiah Rose," everyone says. Serious painting is "not girl's work." Best not show your paintings. Best not sign them either. But still Abiah continues to make her mark on each of her paintings: a small, hidden rose.
A moving story of feminine strength and perseverance, Signed, Abiah Rose honors the everyday struggles of anonymous women artists whose only encouragement was their own inborn drive to create.
About the Author
Diane Browning majored in Illustration at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She also studied with acclaimed children’s book author-illustrator Uri Schulevitz. Diane lives in Blue Jay, California.