ANGEL DRAWS A DINOSAUR

A budding artist's efforts to draw "the best dinosaur ever" yield a lesson about embracing imperfection in Giron's upbeat story, which underscores persistence and creativity as antidotes to perfectionism. The protagonist's grand ambitions provide an opening frame, with Angel declaring that he'll create an "absolute masterpiece" that will "hang on museum walls." But after attempts to draw different dinos fail to achieve his mental vision, Angel throws up his hands in frustration. Quick comfort comes from his two moms' snuggles and shared wisdom, and when Mom likens the drawings to fossils, the comment provides Angel the inspiration he needs to assemble a work that satisfies. Bold pinks, purples, and oranges lend gouache and colored pencil scenes an energy that aptly conveys the story's emotional arc--from opening excitement to disappointment to closing pride. The family is portrayed with brown skin. Ages 4--8. (June)

Oh, how Angel loves dinosaurs! Inspired by a trip to the museum, the young aspiring artist knows exactly what he wants to draw. He gathers his supplies, consults his toy dinos, and starts drawing. But what Angel puts down on paper looks nothing like the dinosaurs in his head--a lament that will be familiar to artists the world over. And the more he tries, the more disappointed he gets. "Trying to fix the mistakes makes them worse!" he sighs, and he becomes reluctant to draw anything. But both his mothers are immensely supportive. Mama cuddles him and tells him art isn't about being perfect, while Mom suggests that, like a paleontologist, he should consider his discarded pictures and look for some "good finds." Eventually, Angel does just that, combining different elements from the various drawings--an interesting scale pattern, an eye-catching claw--into a single work of art. While Angel acknowledges that his creation isn't perfect, he's content with it and proud of his hard work. Skillfully acknowledging that frustration and perceived failures are part of the artistic process, Giron showcases an ever-increasing pile of drawings, deemed imperfect until Angel sees the beauty in them. Angel's own images are rendered in a childlike hand, while the rest of the illustrations are more stylized and richly hued. Angel and his parents are brown-skinned. Empathetic reassurance for both young perfectionists and budding artists.(Picture book. 5-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.