In this exuberant picture book about transformation through art, Mira lives in a gray urban community until a muralist arrives and, along with his paints and brushes, brings color, joy, and hope to the neighborhood.

What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine!

Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transformation-and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration!

"Simply superb." (Kirkus)

Tomas Rivera Book Award * ALA Notable Children's Book * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of the Year * Huffington Post Best Picture Books of the Year * Kirkus Best of the Year * School Library Journal Top 10 LatinX of the Year

What good can a splash of colour do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbours discover, more than you might ever imagine!

About the Author
F. Isabel Campoy is the author, translator, or anthologist of numerous books in the areas of poetry, theater, fictional narrative, biography, art, and bilingual education. She has been recognized with the Laureate Award from the San Francisco Public Library, the Reading the World Award, and many others. The California Association of Bilingual Education (CABE) has created an award in her name. She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences on issues of transformative education, second language acquisition, and authentic writing. She lives in Northern California. Visit her at isabelcampoy.com and on Twitter at @fisabelcampoy. Rafael Lopez grew up in Mexico City, where he was immersed in the rich cultural heritage and color of street life. He is the illustrator of many vibrant picture books, including the acclaimed Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle and Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell. He has received the Pura Belpre and Americas Awards multiple times. Rafael Lopez also designs and creates community-based murals nationwide. He divides his time between San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and San Diego, California. Visit him at rafaellopez.com. Theresa Howell began her career in publishing as a children's book editor at Rising Moon, where she helped to establish the bilingual imprint Luna Rising. She is the author of several children's books with an artistic and cultural focus. Visit her at theresahowell.com and on Twitter at @theresaahowell.

Reviews
"An inspiring and wistful message wrapped up in a subtle, thoughtful narrative and lively, beautiful art: simply superb." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Campoy and Howell deliver a clear, uplifting message about the power of art to revitalize people and their surroundings." - Publishers Weekly "This empowering story of community engagement might inspire kids to get involved in their own neighborhoods." - Booklist


Awards
Winner of Chicago Public Library Best of the Best (United States) and Kirkus Reviews Best Books (United States).



Book Information
ISBN 9780544357693
Author F. Isabel Campoy
Format Hardback
Page Count 40
Imprint Clarion Books
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Weight(grams) 433g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 254mm * 10mm