An abundance of light A story of Matisse in Morocco

Gr 2--4--This book opens in a gloomy, drab place. Henri Matisse is drawn in sketch-style illustrations of heavy, bleak charcoal, the depths of his dark mood weighing down the pages. He feels lost and artistically uninspired. At a friend's suggestion, Matisse journeys to Morocco where there is supposed to be endless sunlight. As the narrative progresses, readers are greeted with warm swaths of color. Matisse's early attempts to paint create splotches of hues in a sea of black and gray. As he becomes open to the world around him, a striking color palette emerges. A revelation comes when Matisse encounters Moroccan sights that make him think of home. In succinct but buoyant narrative, the artist discovers he can only produce watercolor masterpieces when he's reminded of who he is. End notes include a brief overview of Matisse's youth and real experiences in Tangier, Morocco. VERDICT This aesthetically pleasing picture book biography will be a good addition to the art shelves.--Alison Schwartz

After a trip to Morocco, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) finds his despair lifting, and he begins to paint again. The artist is in a deep funk. "Everything and everyone [feels] cloudy. Everything and everyone [feels] dark." He travels to Tangier, searching for abundant sunlight, only to discover more rain; once more, he feels "cloudy and dark." As the sun returns, Stringer's black-and-white illustrations give way to the bold colors favored by Matisse, who finds inspiration in the old Medina, the city's markets and gardens, and memories of his family's colorful rugs and painted teacups. Stringer periodically repeats that Henri grew up in a "black and gray town" in France, which further heightens the moment when he experiences the "abundance of light" in Tangier that resurrects his desire to paint again. Buoyed by the sun, Henri paints views from his window and portraits of locals including a Rifi warrior (one of the Amazigh people who live in the Rif Mountains). A combination of pastel, charcoal, gouache, and digital media on watercolor paper, Stringer's energetic illustrations convey her subject's exuberance; her vivid spreads feature aspects of Moroccan culture such as babouches (pointed yellow slippers), haik (a traditional women's garment), and ouds (a kind of musical instrument). The appended visual glossary will help readers home in on these details of Moroccan life. A sophisticated look at painting, seen through the eyes of a renowned artist. (sources, further information about Matisse, archival photo, author's note)(Picture-book biography. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.