Multicultural Book of the Month: Maybe Something Beautiful

with 5 Comments

 

Maybe Something Beautiful

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood

written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, illustrated by Rafael López

 

What good can a splash of colour do in a community of gray? Maybe more than you might ever imagine!

Maybe Something Beautiful tells the inspiring story of how art transformed a community. In her dismal neigbourhood, little Mira offers some joy by handing out pictures she’s painted. She gives Mr. Henry, the shop owner, a painting of an apple, Mr. Sax a painting of a songbird, and the local policeman a painting of a red heart.

One day on the way back from school Mira pastes a painting of a sun on a gray wall in one of the alleys. The bright picture brings a smile to every neighbour who passes the wall.

Eventually a muralist takes notice of Mira’s work. Together they start a community project to make the gray walls in their neighbourhood beautiful works of art. Neighbours of all ages, races and walks of life join in, and turn the project into a joyful celebration that brings the community closer together.


Maybe Something Beautiful pages


Maybe Something Beautiful is based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California. The illustrator of this book, Rafael López, and his wife Candice brought hope, beauty and a strengthened sense of community to the East Village by turning the dark alleys into art canvasses.

The empowering message of this book is brought to life by Rafael López’s exuberant paintings. Colourful double-page spreads portray the sense of excitement and joy as the community comes together to brighten their neighbourhood. The contrasting muted tones of the gray cityscape emphasize the impact of the transformation.

Maybe Something Beautiful is suitable for preschool and elementary school children, ages 4 to 7.







Multicultural Books of the Month for 2016:

The Girl Who Saved Yesterday

The Case for Loving

Juna’s Jar

Hip Hop Speaks To Children

Drum Dream Girl

Voice of Freedom

Mama, Do You Love Me?

 


*You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA, CAN or UK by clicking on the book titles or images*

5 Responses

  1. Catherine @ Story Snug
    |

    What a wonderful story! It’s so great when such a real life, positive story is published as a picture book 🙂

    #DiverseKidLit

  2. Naila Moon
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    First of all, I love that this is based on a real event. The other thing I love is it combines to things I enjoy doing, reading and art.
    What a wonderful way to make things beautiful in the area that you live.

    Thanks for sharing it on the Kid Lit Blog Hop.

  3. BruceGargoyle
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    So wonderful that it’s based on a real story! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  4. Gayle H Swift
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    Love the concept; I’ll have to get my own copy. Thanks for introducing me to this title.

    • Colours of Us
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      It really is an inspiring book!