MAYA'S WORLD

Artistic expression is the true form of imagination.

Maya loves nothing more than drawing. When her teacher, Ms. Juniper, assigns the class to “draw something that is inspired by nature,” Maya employs various art materials to create the perfect rainbow, beautifully showcased on the endpapers. But when she shows her classmates her artwork, they’re confused, since it doesn’t look like your typical rainbow. Maya gathers her courage to describe how her rainbow makes her feel and the places it takes her in her imagination. (“You can walk, bounce, and climb on my rainbow as it twists and turns and goes up and down.”) Soon, her classmates are inspired by Maya’s words to use their own creativity to produce something extraordinary. Pippins’ colorful, vibrant look at the power of artistic thought and pure imagination will spur young readers to look at the world in a unique way. Her straightforward yet inspiring text, combined with cheerful, colorful art, creates a welcoming world for young readers to express themselves freely. Maya, Ms. Juniper, and her classmates have tan or brown skin; a map of Africa and the Brazilian flag are featured prominently in Maya’s classroom and bedroom, respectively.

A loving look at the limitless possibilities of creativity and art.