IMAGINE! review by Sarah Bartholomew
Bibliography
Colon, Raul. IMAGINE!. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018. ISBN 9781481462730
Summary
IMAGINE! is the story of a young boy living in New York City. He travels via skateboard to the Museum of Modern Art where his imagination is able to take off. As he wanders through the museum, he imagines the art is coming to life. He interacts with these characters that have removed themselves from the wall where they were displayed. They sing and dance throughout the museum with the main character and he continues to make his way through the exhibits and even follow him right out of the museum into the streets of New York. Through Times Square, onto Coney Island, to the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, these characters journey together exploring all the city has to offer. Eventually, they make their way back to the museum where they return to their homes on the walls. The young boy makes his way home but stops to draw a mural of his adventures on the side of the building. He finally returns home and continues to dream of the day he spent with art in New York City.
Critical Analysis
Early in the story, it is evident that the main character of IMAGINE! has an active imagination. By creating a wordless picture book, Colon has encouraged those reading his book to channel their imagination just as the main character has. There is a clear storyline that can be followed but still allows for the reader to “fill in the blanks” so to speak. The watercolor and pencil drawings are vivid and help to bring the story to life. This book does a fantastic job of showing just how active a child’s imagination can be in a unique way. Even though the main character never speaks, his intentions and personality are still clear. The setting is a large part of the plot and Colon does a wonderful job of utilizing the famous landmarks of the city to show how much exploring the characters accomplish in one day. Overall, the illustrations allow the reader to really imagine along with the main character.
Review Excerpt(s)
From The New York Times: “This fine book provides not only exposure to art…but also an example of a boy—a boy of color, a boy in America—with a passion for fine art.”
From The Wall Street Journal: “The prosaic world of the city boy we meet…is transformed into a realm of wonder not by a quirk of quantum physics but by exposure to fine art.”
From School Library Journal: “Captures the drama of a personal artistic experience and the lasting impact it can have…compelling…an irresistible invitation to creativity.”
From Publishers Weekly“Colón’s vibrant scenes make it clear that visiting works of art can breathe magic into every day and inspire further creativity afterward.”
Connections
Gather other books illustrated by Raul Colon such as
Draw! ISBN 9781442494923
Light for All ISBN 9781534457270
Gather other books featuring Latinx characters such as
Morales, Areli. Areli Is a Dreamer. ISBN 9781984893994
Aponte, Carlos. Across the Bay. ISBN 9781984893994
Diaz, Junot. Islandborn. ISBN 9780735229860
Gather other books about art such as
Smith, Keri. How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Art Life Museum.
ISBN 9780399534607
Johnson, Crockett. Harold and the Purple Crayon. ISBN 9780060229368
Rhodes-Pitts, Sharifa. Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawerence, a Young Artist in Harlem.
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