Author: Jen Bryant
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Type: Nonfiction
Publisher: Knopf
Publishing Year: 2013
Word Count: 1720-words
Picture Book Element: Character and pacing
Summary: This inspiring story shares the life of a self-taught painter from humble beginnings who, despite many obstacles, was ultimately able to do what he loved and was recognized as a celebrated artist and remarkable man.
Who is Horace Pippin? Pippin was an African-American painter and World War I veteran. The author brought Pippin's character out in this book. The book introduced Pippin to us as a little boy who was growing so fast, it was hard for his family to keep up with the mending of his clothes. His hands and feet were getting bigger and bigger. On the first spread, we see him hugging his mother. I love how the illustrator showed that his feet were bare. Genius. It also gives us some insight as to who he is - loveable.
I loved this paragraph. "Horace put his big hands to work. He fetched flour for his mother. He sorted laundry with his sisters. He played with his baby brother. He held the horse while the driver delivered milk."
I loved the pacing here. Short succinct sentences. It painted the characterization of Pippin. We know that he is helpful, right? Look at all the things he did. It continued to say, "At night, he piled wood for the stove and arranged dominoes so his grandmother could play. Then, if he could find scrap of paper and a piece of charcoal, he drew pictures of what he'd seen that day."
What are you reading?
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