Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color

But Yellowest Yellow, the last uncaptured color, shines bright on a sidewalk flower; they converse, and Swatch remembers about freedom. For color wranglers and windblown spirits everywhere. (Picture book. 4-7).

Copyright 2016 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, children are introduced to the idea that wild things should be wild. Readers follow the title character, Swatch, as she catches and tames hues. With surrealist imagery and swirling colors, the artwork draws readers in. The message underlying the stunning images asks kids to consider how we should treat wild things. While the text is at times moralizing, the balance of the overall work is excellent. The pace at which the story unfolds is quick enough to keep children's attention while slow enough to beg the pondering of the work's larger themes. The high-quality value and gradation of the color pull children into Swatch's world. While the text at times seems to jump across the page, it generally adds to the tone. This is also a wonderful choice for vocabulary building. The composition and flow allow the pictures to shine, while gently pushing readers forward. VERDICT The gorgeous illustrations are enough to recommend this title, but the sweet message makes it a must-read; a great read-aloud.—Lauren Lancaster, Crafton Public Library, Pittsburgh

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The gorgeous illustrations are enough to recommend this title, but the sweet message makes it a must-read; a great read-aloud."—School Library Journal