3 picture books illuminating remarkable lives

Books

Dream a Dress, Dream a Poem: Dressmaker and Poet, Myra Viola Wilds introduces young readers to Myra Viola Wilds, a Kentucky woman who lived during the Jim Crow era and left her home in the hills for “the city” to become a dressmaker. Eventually, she lost her vision—which the book attributes to eyestrain—and then became a poet. Although biographical details are sparse, Wilds is an admirable, intriguing creator.

Nancy Johnson James tells Wilds’ story in verse, highlighting historical notes in an afterword. She focuses on Wilds’ unending creativity, urging readers to follow her example: “Dream a dream when you struggle, between a painful past and a hopeful tomorrow. Remember when light began to fade, Myra’s art could still be made.”

Diana Ejaita’s fanciful artwork steals the show here. Bold patterns and colors fill each page, reminiscent of Matisse’s splashy shapes. She also uses linework to evoke the weave and intricate stitchwork of the dresses Wilds made. She skillfully introduces the color black into the illustrations to portray Wilds’ descent into blindness.

Dream a Dress, Dream a Poem offers a world of inspiration for young creators of many kinds.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

‘SNL50’: Watch Paul McCartney Perform ‘Abbey Road’ Medley
‘Nosferatu’, Focus Features’ 2nd Highest-Grossing Movie At Domestic Box Office, Sets Peacock Date After Long Theatrical Window
Defense stocks drop after Trump says Pentagon spending could be halved
Jisoo Explores Her Feelings in Explosive Video for ‘Earthquake’
‘A Complete Unknown’ Dressed So Fine At Box Office; Crooning Past $100M WW Ahead Of Oscars

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *