Title: A Splash of Red, The Life and Art of Horace Pippin
Written by Jen Bryant
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013
Ages: 5-8
Themes: biography, Horace Pippin, artist
Awards: A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book
Winner of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for
Opening Sentence:
On february 22, 1888, the town of West Chester, Pensylvania, celebrated a holiday. That day, in that same town, Daniel and Christine Pippin celebrated the birth of their son, Horace.
Synopsis:
“As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw: He loved the feel of the charcoal as it slid across the floor. He loved looking at something in the room and making it come alive again in front of him.He drew pictures for his sisters, his classmates, his co-workers. Even during W.W.I, Horace filled his notebooks with drawings from the trenches . . . until he was shot. Upon his return home, Horace couldn’t lift his right arm, and couldn’t make any art. Slowly, with lots of practice, he regained use of his arm, until once again, he was able to paint–and paint, and paint! Soon, people—including the famous painter N. C. Wyeth—started noticing Horace’s art, and before long, his paintings were displayed in galleries and museums across the country.’
Why I like this book:
Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet collaborate again, going on road trips together to deepen their research. There is a detailed list of further reading on the final page indicating the depth of their own research. This is a book birthed from real passion about an artist not simply idle curiosity or the desire to sell a picture book, and you sense this from the warmth of the text and the attention to detail of the art both in the pictures and quotes used to illustrate the pages. It is an inspiring story of a self-taught painter from humble beginnings who despite many obstacles, was ultimately able to do what he loved, and be recognized for who he was: an artist of extraordinary talent. The echo of, “Make us a picture, Horace.” from fellow-soldiers, co-workers and friends, testifies to the talent from an early age of Horace Pippin. He was able to turn the harsh and brutal realities of life and simple every day scenes and objects into breathtaking works of art. This is a super introduction for children to a great American artist and a story of dogged perseverance.
Activities/Resources:
The rear end pages show a map of all the places in the States where you can see Horace Pippin’s art.
Random House has produced a teacher’s guide for the book.
Every Friday, authors and Kidlit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the perfect picture books with resources, please visit Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Oh my what a gripping story. I could feel the agony he must have gone through not being able to paint and what he must have gone through to gain his talent. A remarkable story. Thanks, Joanna for the gripping review!
I really like this book, too. Bought the e-book version, wanted to see why it won so many awards.
I definitely want to read this one!
Oh – Joanna, thank you for introducing this book. I’d never heard of Horace Pippin before. I had to stop in the middle of your review to look him up and his art. It is so engaging…there is such depth and emotion and drama in his paintings. I will add this to my library list. Thanks for adding to my education.
I’m close enough to West Chester to make a trip to learn more! I hope the area schools are using this book.
This looks like a book I would love… can’t believe I haven’t read it yet!
Thanks for introducing me to this book. I’d love to read it. The story is so inspiring. Great classroom book.
What an uplifting story. Non-fiction is always of interest to me. Thanks for the review.
What a fun book … uplifting, true, soulful. Thanks for the lead on what looks to be a must-read!
I’m cracking up, Joanna. This is in my book basket and was awaiting review for next week, but you beat me to it. I loved your review of this fabulous “true story,” as my kids call them.
What a wonderful, uplifting story! 🙂
What a great story (and story behind the story). Looking forward to this one.
I’ve got this one on my want list. It sounds like such an inspiring story. Thanks for the review!
I just read this one myself. It was really good. Thanks.