A Journey in Color

I didn't know the work of Ellis Wilson prior to reading this illustrated book, but I found due to my interest in history I really enjoyed reading this and looking over the beautiful illustrations by Michael McBride.

Telling the story of Ellis, a young boy who wants to draw the reader is taken through the journey of his life into adulthood and how painting and creating was so important to him.

You don't have to be an art lover to read this book but I think many people will enjoy this for many different reasons.

I'm hoping the author doesn't mind me quoting a piece of the writing, but something that drew me in was the first line that reads simply "At a time when most folks saw the world as black and white, young Ellis Wilson watched colors dance across the canvas."
I love that despite touching on the horrible time of segregation that you see this one boy who was a dreamer and still wanted something special for himself when the world around him had very clear plans for how he should live.

I really enjoyed learning about this artist and I think a lot of readers will enjoy it too.

Jayne Moore Waldrop and Michael Mc Bride have collaborated to tell a gentle and inspiring story. Waldrop’s simple, poetic narrative is perfectly balanced by McBride’s art: the two together capturing both the colorful life and quiet craft of the painter Ellis Wilson. There’s just the right amount of detail and storytelling to keep a young reader curious, and leave them finally charmed by the possibility of such a career.

Jayne Moore Waldrop uses literary skill to give readers a colorful portrayal of Mayfield, KY native Ellis Wilson's life, while Michael McBride gives her words life through his vibrant illustrations. A beautifully told story of one of Kentucky's long forgotten African American artists who wouldn't let life's obstacles stand in his way to achieve his dreams.

The yearning heart of an artist pulsates from the colorful pages of this magnificent children’s book by Jayne Moore Waldrop, with illustrations by Michael McBride. In the first decade of the twentieth century, a young boy’s world is transformed as he watches his father create magic with his paintbrush and canvases. In that very moment, the boy recognizes his calling in life, a calling that will take him from his small, segregated town in rural Kentucky to art school in Chicago and to his active participation in the thriving Harlem Art Renaissance community in New York City.

Waldrop’s narrative reverently touches on each epochal event in the journey of Ellis Wilson from a boy with a dream to a man pursuing his destiny against all odds. McBride’s illustrations evoke Wilson’s own art as he sought to paint the world as he saw it, from the streets and from his travels, with bold colors, and simple shapes, as he painted ordinary folks, people working and living their lives.

This beautiful, stirring story will resonate with anyone whose life has been ignited by a dream—a dream that must be pursued, no matter the cost—whether that dream beacons from the future, or is being measured against the fruits of a lifetime. “A Journey in Color,” offers readers young and old, a wondrous glimpse into the life of a man who remained faithful to the calling he received as a young boy and gave his last full measure in realizing that dream.

A beautiful important story of an artist you have never heard of but need to know. Waldrop keeps the story simple but the art and descriptions are magical.

What I considered a good biography book is when after reading one, I am curious about the personage and tried to find out about them online. Where Africans were not recognized, Ellis Wilson had a dream, and that dream, he pursued. Through thick and thin, he strives for his paintings, and he painted like no others. A really inspiring real life story.

The best children's books are honest, and Waldrop has written a book that honors Ellis Wilson's artistry and humanity, without flinching away from the realities of segregation. Her straightforward and deceptively simple use of language keeps the narrative focused on Wilson as a person who was successful at both creating impressive artwork, and just as importantly, living a life dedicated to the art he loved.

Michael McBride's vibrant illustrations are a beautiful counterpoint to Waldrop's prose. His paintings capture so much of the implied emotion of the characters he depicts, and the gorgeous watercolor backdrops invite the reader to view the world of the book with the eyes of an artist. If Waldrop's writing honor's Wilson's life by conveying his story without intruding upon it, McBride's illustrations pay homage by bringing Wilson's story vividly to life.

This illustrated book will appeal to all ages, but especially those who appreciate art. It’s a story based on the life of Ellis Wilson, an artist, a story of following your dreams, but it is also a beautiful work of art, itself.

Growing up, Ellis lived on the side of the creek known as the Bottom, which was on the ‘opposite’ side of the tracks. He was discouraged by many to follow his dreams. Discouraged by others over and over again throughout his younger years and again when he applied to art schools. Since he grew up during segregation, most art schools turned him down because of his African-American lineage. Persistence paid off, and the art world is certainly a better place because he persisted.

’He wanted to make colors dance across canvas.’

This is a stunningly beautiful book sharing the life of artist Ellis Wilson, written simply enough for young readers, with a heartfelt story of following a dream. Both the story and the artwork inside are vividly felt. An impressive story encouraging young readers and adults, as well, to follow their dreams.


Pub Date: 06 Dec 2022

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Shadelandhouse Modern Press

This book made me discover Ellis Wilson and I found it inspiring and well written. The illustrations and the text work well together and are both informative and attractive.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

A lovely children book on the life of African American painter Ellis Wilson, from his initial difficulties entering college and a then predominantly white profession to recognition. A welcome addition to the series of children books devoted to artists. Beautifully illustrated with clear text.

One modern genre that I especially love is picture book biographies. Almost all of those I have come across are illustrated with beautiful paintings, making these books a delight for the eyes as well as a very interesting way to learn about someone who, usually, I have never even heard of before. A Journey in Color is no exception. I had never heard of Ellis Wilson before reading this book.
Ellis Wilson was born in a poor neighborhood at the edge of a town in Kentucky. He had his family were colored, which automatically put them at the bottom of the social scale. Ellis’s father was a barber, but he also painted. Ellis was fascinated with his father‘s paintings, and wanted to be an artist himself.
No one in Ellis’s family had ever been to college, but he was determined to go – and to study art. It took a long time, but he finally found a college that would accept him. Now, he could live his dream. He spent the rest of his life, when he wasn’t working to make a living, painting everything he saw.
A Journey in Color is a beautiful book to add to any art appreciation course. It’s also a gentle introduction to the way colored people were treated in the South before the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. This is a beautiful book and will make a great addition to any child’s library.  These pictures have so many details that hours could be spent studying them.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

A Journey in Color is a brilliantly executed picture book biography of Ellis Wilson (someone I had not known of before reading this book). With vibrant art paying homage to Wilson, including renderings of his paintings, and a narrative that is at once honest, informative, and age-appropriate, this picture book biography is a must read.
A book that will inspire everyone, regardless of age, to follow their dreams.

Disclaimer: I got a digital review copy of this books from Netgalley and these are my honest opinions of the book.