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 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: