Ashley's autobiography is full of art, photographs, and the poignant never-say-never tale of his rich life, a life that has always included drawing and painting. Even as a boy growing up during the Depression, he painted -- finding cast off objects to turn into books and kites and toy and art. Even as a solder in the segregated Army on the beaches of Normandy, he sketched -- keeping charcoal crayons and paper in his gasmask to draw with during lulls. Even as a talented, visionary art student who was accepted and then turned away from college upon arrival, the school telling Ashley that to give a scholarship to an African American student would be a waste, he painted -- continuing to create art when he could have been discouraged, continuing to polish his talents when his spirit should have been beaten. Ashley went on to become a Hans Christian Anderson Award nominee, a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, and a multiple Coretta Scott King award winner. As you might imagine, his story is powerful, bursting with his creative energy, and a testament to believing in oneself. It's a book every child in America should have access to and it does what the very best autobiographies do; it inspires! Starred Review. Grade 4 Up—The inimitable Bryan offers a clear portrait of his own evolution as artist and writer in this brief, highly illustrated volume. He leads readers on a photographic tour around his home—Little Cranberry Island off the coast of Maine—describing beaches laden with smooth stones; the daily habits of lobster boatmen; the little nondenominational church; and his studio filled with toys and puppets created from found objects, panels made of sea glass, and canvases of painted flowers. Intertwined is the story of his parents, who emigrated to New York from Antigua, bringing with them their fondness for the colors and sounds of nature, which they passed on to their son, his five siblings, and three cousins. His academic and professional achievements are touched upon in relation to his work and teaching. The color that plays a prominent role in his life spreads throughout this slim volume in page highlights; in clear photos of the island; in spreads taken from his books; in the oversize type that stands out on some pages. The man's humility, his deep appreciation of natural beauty, his fascination with other cultures, his love of folk literature, his openness to all forms of artistic expression, and his delight in learning and in passing on his craft to others form the essence of this inviting presentation. His autobiography is a small treasure to share with those who love children's literature and an inspiring read-aloud that speaks to young people about human qualities that lead to success and happiness.— Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. *Starred Review* In rich collages of words and pictures, this highly visual autobiography introduces artist Ashley Bryan’s life and his vision of the world around him. Clearly written, the text begins with Bryan growing up in the Bronx during the Depression, taking free WPA art classes and helping create clothing and kites from scrap materials. It follows him through public school, Sunday school, Cooper Union art education, army service during World War II, and the lifelong development of his talents as an artist. Though he eventually found his way to children’s book illustration, he has continued to work in media such as stained-glass design, found-object puppet making, and traditional painting. Photos of Bryan’s world and reproductions of his often bright-hued and inherently vibrant artworks appear on every page, sometimes overlapping each other, sometimes overlaid with text. They infuse the entire presentation with energy, color, and joy. Throughout the book, Bryan combines autobiography and art from many periods of his life with a verbal and visual tour of his studio and the Maine island where he lives. Beautifully designed, the book creates an original, stimulating, and inspiring portrait of the artist from child to man as well as a celebration of his vision. Grades 3-7. --Carolyn Phelan Ashley Bryan (1923–2022) grew up to the sound of his mother singing from morning to night, and he shared the joy of song with children. A beloved illustrator, he was named a Newbery Honoree for his picture book, Freedom Over Me . He also received the Coretta Scott King—Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, was a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, a Coretta Scott King Award winner, and the recipient of countless other awards and recognitions. His books include Freedom Over Me ; Sail Away ; Beautiful Blackbird ; Beat the Story-Drum, Pum Pum ; Let It Shine ; Ashley Bryan’s Book of Puppets ; and What a Wonderful World . He lived in Islesford, one of the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine.