Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood

by F Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

Rafael Lopez (Illustrator) and Rafael López (Illustrator)

In this exuberant picture book about transformation through art, Mira lives in a gray urban community until a muralist arrives and, along with his paints and brushes, brings color, joy, and hope to the neighborhood.

What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine!

Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transformation—and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration!

"Simply superb.” (Kirkus)

Tomás Rivera Book Award * ALA Notable Children's Book * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of the Year * Huffington Post Best Picture Books of the Year * Kirkus Best of the Year * School Library Journal Top 10 LatinX of the Year

• ISBN10: 0544357698
• ISBN13: 9780544357693
• Publish Date: 14 April 2016 (first published 12 April 2016)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Clarion Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 40
• Language: English

Reviews

[ccbookwitch]

This beautiful, vivid book tells the story of Mira, a little girl living in a gray city who meets an artist who shows her how to add color and beauty to her world and bring her community together. The story and illustrations are inspiring and beautiful, full of color and hope. The realistic representation of an urban setting and culture will certainly allow kids from urban areas to see themselves in the story, and encourage kids from other places to view life from a different lens. The writing has a great flow and rhythm and would make an excellent read aloud. As a bonus, the book encourages cultural competency through its mentions and depictions of different types of dance and music. This is a gorgeous, inspiring children's story that will entrance younger readers.