The Big Orange Splot

The Big Orange Splot
By Daniel Manus Pinkwater
Scholastic Inc, 1977. Picture Book.

For my first post of the New Year, I decided to review one of my all-time favorite picture books from my childhood. When a seagull drops a can of orange paint on Mr. Plumbean’s house he decides to take the inspiration and paint his house as he always dreamed. But his neat neighbors, who liked how the entire street looked the same, become outraged. One by one, they visit to talk to him about his house but their visits have interesting results.

The message about individuality, acceptance, and following your dreams still rings as true now as when this book was first published 40 years ago. In fact it has become a favorite of my nephews as well and is required reading each time they come for a visit.

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