A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin

A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award

An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

Winner of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw. He loved the feel of the charcoal as it slid across the floor. He loved looking at something in the room and making it come alive again in front of him. He drew pictures for his sisters, his classmates, and his co-workers. Even during World War I, Horace filled his notebooks with drawings from the trenches… until he was shot.

Upon his return home, Horace couldn’t lift his right arm and could no longer make art. Slowly, with lots of practice, he regained use of his arm until once again he was able to paint—paint, and paint, and paint. Soon people—including the famous painter N. C. Wyeth—started noticing Horace’s art, and before long, his paintings were displayed in galleries and museums across the country.

Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet team up once again to share this inspiring story of a self-taught painter from humble beginnings who, despite many obstacles, was ultimately able to do what he loved and be recognized for who he was: an artist.