Rima and the Painter

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)