An Abundance of Light
A Story of Matisse in Morocco
Published on 28. August 2025
Book
Hardback
48 pages
978-1-5344-9362-9 (ISBN)
Description
Henri Matisse searches for light and inspiration in Morocco in the year 1912 in this vibrant picture book biography telling the story of a formative experience in the painter's life.
Henri Matisse loves to paint colors bright and bold and light. But during a cold, rainy winter in Paris, everything and everyone, including Henri, feels cloudy and dark. Henri can't paint. Following the advice of a good friend, Henri packs his bags and a trunk full of canvases, paints, brushes, and inks and travels to Tangier, Morocco, hoping to find an abundance of light. But when he arrives, Tangier is suffering its coldest, rainiest winter in years! What will Henri do?
This illuminating picture book biography introduces readers to the genius and inspiration of Henri Matisse as he discovers that sometimes the darkest shadows bring the brightest light.
Henri Matisse loves to paint colors bright and bold and light. But during a cold, rainy winter in Paris, everything and everyone, including Henri, feels cloudy and dark. Henri can't paint. Following the advice of a good friend, Henri packs his bags and a trunk full of canvases, paints, brushes, and inks and travels to Tangier, Morocco, hoping to find an abundance of light. But when he arrives, Tangier is suffering its coldest, rainiest winter in years! What will Henri do?
This illuminating picture book biography introduces readers to the genius and inspiration of Henri Matisse as he discovers that sometimes the darkest shadows bring the brightest light.
Reviews / Votes
The core of this clever, charming picture book is a breakthrough revelation that saved avant-garde artist Matisse's work-and his life. . . . How Matisse came to realize that "the darker the shadows, the brighter the light" applies to both his art in particular and to depression in general. The illustrations . . . wittily convey the feel of Matisse's crisis and recovery. A fun, insightful read. -- Booklist * August 2025 * In succinct but buoyant narrative . . . this aesthetically pleasing picture book biography will be a good addition to the art shelves. -- School Library Journal * 8/1/25 * In succinct but buoyant narrative . . . this aesthetically pleasing picture book biography will be a good addition to the art shelves. -- School Library Journal * 8/1/25 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
f-c digital (jkt spfx: spot uv on matte); coated stock
Dimensions
Height: 296 mm
Width: 250 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
534 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5344-9362-9 (9781534493629)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
08/2025
Beach Lane Books
€10.87
Available for download
Persons
Lauren Stringer has illustrated many celebrated picture books, including Deer Dancer by Mary Lyn Ray; The Princess and Her Panther by Wendy Orr; Scarecrow and Snow, both written by Cynthia Rylant; as well as her own Winter Is the Warmest Season, When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky, The Dark Was Done, and An Abundance of Light. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit her at LaurenStringer.com.