Pick of the Day: Sky Color (DVD)

Sky Color. DVD. 6 min. with tchr’s. guide. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-52331-8. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-52330-1: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-52329-5: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 2–What color is the sky? Marisol is faced with this question as her class paints a mural in the library. She chooses to paint the sky, but blue is not one of the colors available to her. She notices, however, that the actual sky is not always blue. It might be the glowing colors of a sunset, or the deep velvet black of night with scattered diamond stars, or the grey of a rainy day. This gives her the scope to create a truly memorable sky. Peter H. Reynolds’s book (2012) is part of what he calls his “creatrilogy”—which includes The Dot (2003), and Ish (2004, all Candlewick, Weston Woods). As with the other two titles, Sky Color celebrates art and the power of creative thinking. Reynolds’s flowing watercolor illustrations against a stark white background have been beautifully animated. Sisi Aisha Johnson reads with a crisp, young voice as original, sprightly music by Ernest Troost plays in the background and sound effects draw listeners in. A read-along subtitle option is available. In a short interview, the author/artist explains his views about stories and art and encourages students to think creatively. Everyone can be an artist. This is optimistic and inspiring—a wonderful prelude to any class art project. It encourages young artists to think outside the paint box.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA