- Jan 24, 2022
Review by Twirling Book Princess:
I had never heard of Alma Thomas, so I was very eager to read this book, plus the art looked fun and I love the colours!
So imagine my happiness when I was chosen to review this book for The Children’s Book Review’s tour! Eep!
In this book we meet Alma Thomas, a Black woman born in the US during the time when being Black meant a lot of restrictions. From schooling to libraries and more. It just breaks my heart each time I read about it. It is terrible that there was a time when this happened, and that even now Black people are still not safe in the US. 🙁
So I was delighted with Alma’s parents who tried all their best to bring out the best things in their children despite the restrictions, despite how the world is. From making sure there are books and home education to letting their children do anything from pottery to sewing. Later they make a big decision that will open way to more possibilities! Really, the best parent award goes to these two people.
I loved reading how Alma went into art and how she did a lot of awesome and amazing things for children. And she also did a lot with her art and helped out those who made art. She is so inspirational and I was just amazed! I definitely need to read more about this woman and see her art! I am very interested in her later phase, when she was older and went to focus on her own art.
I want to see those bright colours and patterns. And while writing this review I actually went to Google to check them out, haha, I just couldn’t wait and I am AMAZED even further. The illustrator really did a great job capturing them in her style!
The illustrations are just top notch and fit so well with Alma and her art.
Love love how colourful, bright it is. Even in the times that maybe weren’t always the happiest.
I am giving extra points to the author + illustrator’s note and that we even get a timeline!
All in all, a very inspirational read and I learned a lot of new things and found a new artist whose work I would love to see in real life! Recommended to all!
- Jan 19, 2022
Ablaze in Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas
Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by Loveis Wise
"Harvey and Wise share the story of the first black woman to have her work exhibited in a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City. Michele Obama chose her Resurrection painting as the first Black woman’s art displayed in the White House.
Alma grew up in segregated Georgia where schools and institutions remained segregated at the time. Her parents countered that by opening their home to books of all sorts and teachers who gave lectures. Alma preferred to be outside absorbing the colors, sights, and sounds of nature.
Alma’s parents moved to Washington, DC as she turned fifteen. Schools and institutions remained closed to black students. As alma matured, she followed in her parents’ footsteps and brought art to students in her home. She organized field trips and encouraged them to display their work.
When Alma retired from teaching, she turned back to creating her own art projects, infusing them with the colors of nature. She grabbed inspiration from the space program of the late sixties. Galleries soon took notice of her brilliant abstract pieces, leading to her solo exhibit and notoriety. The Mayor of Washington, DC proclaimed “Alma Thomas Day,” on September 9, 1972.
The book features stunning illustrations, along with a timeline of Thomas’s life and historical events. Harvey provides references for young readers to satiate their curiosity and expand their knowledge. Highly recommended resource for students and teachers in elementary, middle school, and beyond."
- Jan 19, 2022
Updated: Jan 21, 2022
"I’m in the business of reviewing books, which over the years has instilled in me a healthy appreciation for the difficult work it is to write a book.
"I am, however, convinced that Non-Fiction Picture Book Biographies are the biggest challenge of all.
"Authors and illustrators of picture book biographies must necessarily walk a fine line between relaying information and entertaining young readers. Moreover, the subject is normally an adult that the author and illustrator must present to children as someone they should learn from and perhaps even emulate in their own lives.
"It’s a weighty, nuanced task, which is why when I come across a book like Ablaze With Color (written for ages 4 to 8), I’m ready to bow down in awe of what the author and illustrator have accomplished.
"This is one of those rare books about an artist that makes you want to immediately search out their art and see everything they’ve created. Best of all, it’s very kid friendly – both the text and the illustrations.
"It’s also a perfect example of a picture book in which the author’s text and the illustrator’s art pair perfectly to tell a complete story.
"Harvey uses a rich, poetic voice as she narrates Alma’s life story, making it both easy and enjoyable for children to follow along. Likewise, Wise’s bright and vivid illustrations pay beautiful homage to Alma’s own work and are sure to enthrall both children and adults.
"Alma Thomas blazed a colorful trail in her lifetime and this book, Ablaze With Color, is a beautiful and uplifting account of her incredible contributions to art, racial equality, and education.
Highly Recommend! "
