CHARACTER COUNTS: Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood
Written By F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell
Illustrated by Rafael López
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Picture Book. 2016.

This book is based on the true story of a neighborhood in San Diego, California. The illustrator, Rafael López , took the initiative to bring together an entire neighborhood in a creative process to brighten up his community. It is truly inspiring the efforts and lengths he went to. He gathered people from different experiences and backgrounds to collaborate together.

The picture book begins with grayed hues and gradually bright, beautiful colors and illustrations transform the story. I imagine the community being transformed the exact same way. I became a part of their cause and almost felt paint splatters on my own face and arms. I was left wanting to visit San Diego to see the beautiful neighborhood I imagined with the help of the illustrations.

Anyone can take steps to change the world around them! It can be pulling people together in your own community to paint beautiful surroundings for everyone to enjoy just as the neighborhood in this story.

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