Arthur Ransome's adventure books are an institution, and Christmas is the richer because of his invention, gravity, and solid matter

The seventh of the Arthur Ransome books about the Swallows and the Amazons, and I really think it is the best

The most exciting of the whole Swallows and Amazon series

A little artist decides to inject color into her drab gray city. As she boldly paints the town red (and yellow and blue) she brings beauty and life to all who live there. This vivacious storybook is perfect for young children, graduates or anyone setting on their own path and in need of a little bravery or inspiration.

Realizing that making mistakes is part of the process could be a game-changer for the many kids who can't conquer their discouragement when their art falls short of their expectations

Even if readers don't need encouragement to unleash their own talents, they should be intrigued by this protagonist's arc toward artistic assurance

This book is perfect to read with children who have started drawing but sometimes feel disheartened when their drawing doesn't turn out exactly as they see it in their heads ... a stunningly beautiful book with a message for young and old - and it makes readers look anew and refreshed at the world. Ed Vere is one of the most talented children's books creators of our time and takes the care to make every word and every mark mean something, in or out of the lines