Pablo Picasso—superhero? There is that sense in Jonah Winter’s merry look at the innovative artist who never settled for doing the same thing over and over: “To copy yourself is pathetic!” Classically trained and highly skilled, Pablo moved from one mood and phase to another in his work. He did repeat himself, but only for a while before he became bored and moved on to pursue a new idea or inspiration. And when he debuted his most radical idea yet—Cubism—the howls of protest were astounding: “Just behave, Pablo Picasso!” Winter’s account takes artistic liberty but the truth is in the big idea: Picasso was a visionary, but following that vision took courage. Winter’s narrative demands readers’ attention with its urgency, but it’s playful, too, as are Kevin Hawkes’s bold illustrations, with occasional dynamic speech bubbles incorporated into the art. (Ages 6–10)

A celebration of a modern master-and an inspiration to anyone who's ever felt judged!

"One day the world is a peaceful, lovely landscape painting... The next day-BLAM!-Pablo bursts through the canvas, paintbrush in hand, ready to paint something fresh and new."

Pablo Picasso may have been one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, but that doesn't mean he painted what people wanted him to paint! In fact, some people hated his paintings, and called them "ugly!" and "terrible!"-something many kids can relate to. But Picasso didn't listen to all those people, and kept on working the way he wanted to work, until he created something so new, so different that people didn't know what to say!

For every young artist who's drawn something other kids think is "ugly," this story of rebellion and creativity is sure to inspire.