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Matisse: Magician of Color

Matisse: Magician of Color

Derek Desierto (Illustrator) See More
CELA Library
JUVENILE NONFICTION
Art | Biography & Autobiography
Painting , Art , History
Feiwel & Friends
2 - 3
6 - 8
2026 Spring
Picture Books

Hardback
9781250864697
$25.99 CAD
English
10/14/2025

EPUB 3 [reflow]
9781250456427
$14.99 CAD
English
10/14/2025

Braille
XXX0000502
English
10/14/2025

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Description


From New York Times-bestelling illustrator, Derek Desierto, here is nn inspiring, exquisitely illustrated picture book biography of Henri Matisse, who overcame hardship to create masterpieces.

"A lovely homage."

Henri Matisse loved color. He dreamed of being an artist. Even after his father pushed him to study for a “serious” job, Henri followed his heart and went to art school. Color was all around him!

After a grueling illness, Henri had to reinvent the way he made art. And what he created became even more magical. His story is brought to life by bestselling artist Derek Desierto, who continues to be inspired by Matisse’s work, and now shares that magic with young readers.

Derek Desierto Derek Desierto

Review Quotes


★ "Matisse’s ­resilience remains an inspiration to creative minds around the world. This succinct biography of Matisse’s life is well suited to young readers thanks to its relatively brief text and bright, chunky ­illustrations. ... A lovely homage to Matisse’s life and work, this is a positive addition to nonfiction ­biography collections for young readers, and it is especially well-suited to reading aloud.School Library Journal, starred review

"In simple, compelling language, an admiring unseen narrator waxes rhapsodic about the painter’s struggles and successes.... Desierto uses high-spirited, brightly hued cut-paper illustrations to great effect as he captures Matisse’s passion for color and underscores an important truth: Art is about the journey, not the end result. Adult readers will recognize many of his familiar works; all will feel the joy with which they were created. A loving, tender homage to an innovative artist."--Kirkus Reviews

Biographical note


DEREK DESIERTO is the creator of Oddbird, praised as “a strong contribution to picture book celebrating diversity and inclusion” by Booklist magazine, as well as Oddbird’s Chosen Family. His books with Eva Chen include the New York Times bestseller Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. Derek lives in Vancouver. Derekdesierto.com