★ "Matisse's -resilience remains an inspiration to creative minds around the world. This succinct biography of Matisse's life is well suited to young readers thanks to its relatively brief text and bright, chunky -illustrations. ... A lovely homage to Matisse's life and work, this is a positive addition to nonfiction -biography collections for young readers, and it is especially well-suited to reading aloud. -School Library Journal, starred review

"In simple, compelling language, an admiring unseen narrator waxes rhapsodic about the painter's struggles and successes.... Desierto uses high-spirited, brightly hued cut-paper illustrations to great effect as he captures Matisse's passion for color and underscores an important truth: Art is about the journey, not the end result. Adult readers will recognize many of his familiar works; all will feel the joy with which they were created. A loving, tender homage to an innovative artist."--Kirkus Reviews