Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

PPBF Special: For all the teachers who are in the midst of testing season, I’ve included a literature unit for this amazing book.

Title: A Splash of Red, the Life and Art of Horace Pippin
Written by: Jen Bryant
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Random House/Knopf, 2015, biography
Suitable for ages: 5-8 (easily Gr 1-5)
Lexile: 610
Themes/topics: art, painters, determination

Opening:
On February 22, 1888, the town of West Chester, Pennsylvania, celebrated a holiday. That day, in that same town, Daniel and Christine Pippin celebrated the birth of their son, Horace.

Brief synopsis: (from worldcat.org)
Presents an illustrated introduction to the life and work of artist Horace Pippin, describing his childhood love for drawing and the World War I injury that challenged his career.

Activities and Resources:
Literature Unit on my Parent/Teacher Resources page includes activities for grades 1-5, also suitable for English Language Learners.

Why I like this book:
The team of Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet is unbeatable. This story of a boy who discovers his talent and pursues it through the challenges of his life is seamless and engaging. No matter his circumstances, Horace finds a way to help and bring joy to others, and is able to capture the beauty in everyday life. The illustrations are varied, creative, and rich with color and detail. Nonfiction at its best!

Visit author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent resources.