Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! 2020 seems to be a banner year for stories about strong women who engendered change in one way or another. And I’m so excited to review this particular book because it’s written by one of my favorite nonfiction picture book biography authors, the one and only Nancy Churnin!
BEAUTIFUL SHADES OF BROWN: THE ART OF LAURA WHEELER WARING
Written by Nancy Churnin
Illustrated by Felicia Marshall
Published by Creston Books (February 4, 2020)
Ages: 6-11
Themes: Discrimination, perseverance, art
Synopsis: From Amazon
Growing up in the late 19th century, Laura Wheeler Waring didn’t see any artists who looked like her. She didn’t see any paintings of people who looked like her, either. As a young woman studying art in Paris, she found inspiration in the works of Matisse and Gaugin to paint the people she knew best. Back in Philadelphia, the Harmon Foundation commissioned her to paint portraits of accomplished African-Americans. Her portraits still hang in Washington DC’s National Portrait Gallery, where children of all races can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured.
Why I love this book
- Well-paced lyrical narrative that engages the reader from the first page to the last
- Glorious illustrations
- I love true stories of perseverance and courage
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Paper Plate Self-Portraits
Photo courtesy: https://happyhooligans.ca/paper-plate-self-portrait-craft-kids/
I love using paper plates for art projects…they are inexpensive and so versatile.
For detailed instructions: https://happyhooligans.ca/paper-plate-self-portrait-craft-kids/
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. And I hope you come back tomorrow for our VERY SPECIAL COVER REVEAL of TWO of Amber Hendricks’ upcoming books PLUS a SNEAK PREVIEW of our upcoming #50PreciousWords Contest and the list of prizes. PRIZES? You’d better believe there are prizes!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I remember critiquing this book when it was new and am so happy to see it come to life. Wishing you and Nancy all the best of success! XOXO
LikeLike
I haven’t read this one yet, but I’m really looking forward to finding it! It sounds like a winner!! I also really love the paper plate self-portraits — I am totally going to make these with my class!
LikeLike
Definitely going to read this book. Thanks!
LikeLike
Thanks Vivian! This book looks and sounds amazing!
LikeLike
Such a lovely mirror for so many kids is bound to inspire! Congratulations, Nancy!
LikeLike
Gorgeous book cover! It makes me want to open it up and enjoy a good story.
LikeLike
Another fabulous biography to add to my list! Yay! Thanks for the rec!
LikeLike
Perfect for Black History Month! I was not familiar with Laura Wheeler Waring and am delighted to see this book. I really love how many authors (including you) are finding, researching and writing their stories of accomplishments. Although they didn’t realize the importance of their work at the time. Will check my library and if they don’t have it, will put in a request for purchase. Had five books recently approved, some of which you recommended.
LikeLike
What beautiful book, thank you for sharing, Vivian!
LikeLike
Nancy does it again! What a fun book and I love the paper plate self-portraits. What a fun activity. Thanks.
LikeLike
I love Nancy’s #PB #biographies & I’m really looking forward to reading this latest one, too. What a fascinating subject!
LikeLike
This is an interesting book which I must see if they are getting in our local library. Would make a great mentor text. Thanks for sharing
LikeLike
Beautifully written š
LikeLike
This book looks fantastic! Thanks, Vivian!
LikeLike
Nancy’s biographies are amazing and Beautiful Shades of Brown looks like an equally amazing book. The cover is beautiful! Thank you for sharing Vivian.
LikeLike