Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

Maybe Something Beautiful is a fictionalized biography that lifts the spirit of all art lovers. It is a rags to riches story where a little girl and a mural painter change the appearance and rhythm of an urban community. Mira's love of drawing and art supplies expresses how one person’s addiction to color can impact an otherwise gray environment. With the turning of each page the reader shares the joy of creating something beautiful.

Mira is an endearing young artist, her joy is transported in both text and illustrations. Once the artist is introduced the book takes on a more hurried feeling where community members are anxious to join the project. The illustrations are bold, bright and full of enthusiasm. I only wish that more information was provided about the original story; this could have been a true picture book biography. Add to primary school and public libraries. This book would make an excellent gift to an art teacher or a policeman in any community.

Overall Book Score: very good