Book Review of Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas
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The Children’s Book Review

What to Expect: History, art, racism, equality, hope, perseverance

Alma loves color and nature. Even though she lives in a world that denies her access to rights and education, she is lucky to be part of a family that celebrates creativity, books, learning, and teaching. With a loving family and great teachers to guide her, Alma becomes an amazing artist. When her family moves North to where they can enjoy more freedom, she devotes her energy to teaching and helping children, rather than becoming famous for her art. Alma’s story is an inspiring ode to giving back and helping others.

In telling the true story of Black artist Alma Thomas, this stunning picture book places emphasis not on fame and success, but on serving and supporting others and on enjoying life and experience. Drawing on Alma’s own art for inspiration, the book is awash with bright, vibrant illustrations, accompanied by vocabulary that invites a multisensory exploration of color. The book’s end matter includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of Alma’s life, and a resources page, making this volume a great educational resource as well as an engaging story.

Overall, Ablaze with Color is a beautiful and thought-provoking biography for young readers and artists to enjoy. Highly Recommended!

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About the Author

Jeanne Walker Harvey has been a longtime docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Just like Alma Thomas, Jeanne believes that art brings us joy. Her other picture books include Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines and My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. Jeanne studied literature and psychology at Stanford University. She lives in Northern California.

Visit her online at www.jeanneharvey.com.

About the Illustrator

Loveis Wise is an illustrator and designer from Washington, DC. They are currently based in Los Angeles and their work often speaks to themes of joy and liberation. Their work can be found through the New Yorker, Google, Adobe, and the New York Times.

You can find them online at www.loveiswise.com.

Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored, non-biased review of Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, by Jeanne Walker Harvey. Learn more about getting a book review …