Sky Color

Narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson, this animated adaption of writer-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds's 2012 picture book is dappled in tones of black, white, and sepia, with droplets of color to illustrate various facets within scenes. The story follows young artist Marisol, who displays “art gallery” works on the family refrigerator, where her paintings serve to share ideas and notes with others. During a classroom brainstorming session, Marisol and her peers work on a library mural project, with Marisol searching for the perfect blue to fill in her part: the sky. Disappointed when she can't find the right shade, Marisol looks for inspiration (in a gorgeously depicted scene), enjoying from her porch a sunset of pink, orange, purple, and indigo, as her hair slightly blows in the wind. Later, Marisol has a Technicolor dream that gives her the idea to create a swirly spread of the sky that captures various real-life elements. Featuring a read-along option and a bonus interview with Reynolds, Sky Color—a 2013 ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Video selection—offers a charming look at out-of-the-box thinking. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)