Rima and the painter

Rima and her mother have recently moved to a new country, where everything is unfamiliar and strange. A memory of palm trees and mountains and Rima's mother's use of "habibti" ("my darling" in Arabic) are the only hints of the home left behind. Though Mama says they're better off here, she doesn't smile much anymore, and Rima is too unsure of the language to try making friends. Then, one day, the TV's loud commercials give way a gentle, kind voice. Rima is enrapt as the bushy-haired artist "blotted and brushed, swished and rinsed, and beat beat beat" his paintbrush, bringing a whole new world to life on his canvas. Rima feels soothed as she draws along with him, and she even glimpses a small smile in Mama's eyes afterward. Next time, Rima brings paper and pencils for her mom too. And so, a happy little tradition is born that boosts Rima's confidence and puts a bounce back in Mama's step. The painter is, of course, Bob Ross, and Boukarim discusses how his show, The Joy of Painting, helped her own mother after emigrating to Canada. The writing is simple but adeptly captures Rima's unease and worries as she adjusts to her new life, and Iwai's soft, painterly illustrations match the story's comforting tone and message. A tender testament to the healing power of art.

Rima's "heart arched for the world she'd left behind," Boukarim begins--it's so different than the palm tree--studded landscape she's known, and text indicates that Mama is frequently sad following the hinted-at move. Then, one day, the two catch an artist on television--recognizable as Bob Ross (1942--1995)--who, with deft dabs of paint and gentle affirmations, creates "a new world." As Rima begins to think of herself as a maker, she also starts to feel connected to her new neighborhood and becomes the center of an informal art club: "In no time, Rima was surrounded by people making big old trees, almighty mountains, and happy little clouds, together." Closing images by Iwai, rendered in soft textures and translucent washes of sunny color, reveal Rima's mother creating an image about their recent transition. This gentle ode to a beloved art instructor demonstrates how a sense of belonging can emerge from unexpected sources--and how creativity can transform despair into possibility. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. (July)

Painter and TV host Bob Ross helps a young immigrant discover art, make new friends, and bring back Mama's smile. Rima feels lonely and uncertain in her new faraway home. Mama assures her that their life will be better, but she seems so sad and distant. The voices Rima hears on the television are strange, but one gives her pause. The man speaks in a soft singsong voice as he paints an entirely new world on his canvas. Inspired, Rima sits down to draw the next time his show is on. Rima invites Mama to join her, but Mama's notepad remains blank. Still, Rima's enthusiasm is contagious--she makes one friend and then others, and they all draw "big old trees, almighty mountains, and happy little clouds." But the biggest surprise of all is the smile that's returned to Mama's face one day as she displays paintbrushes, canvases, and paints so they can create a new world together. Drawing from her own experiences, Boukarim perfectly captures the creative genius and kind mannerisms of Bob Ross, as seen on his TV programThe Joy of Painting, as she weaves a gentle tale of joy, healing, community, and the power of art. At times Iwai's beautiful watercolorlike illustrations reflect the quality of Ross' paintings; at others, they have the whimsy of a child's drawings. Hints in the text cue Rima and her mother as Middle Eastern. Comforting, uplifting, and full of nostalgia. (author's note)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.