Meeting another author and an illustrator

Painting for Peace in Ferguson ~ by Carol Swartout Klein, 2015, children's, 9/10

Through poetry and art, this book tells the story of hundreds of artists and volunteers who turned boarded up windows into works of art with messages of hope, healing and unity in the aftermath of the Ferguson, Missouri riots.  Written in verse, the book focuses on the way the community came together to begin the healing process through the art of the Paint for Peace effort.  Using illustrations and photographs of the art and the artists and volunteers ― black and white, young and old ― the book is a tool for beginning the conversation with children about how we all have something to contribute to healing our communities.  As the last line in the book says, "The work is not finished, there's much more to be done.  But this art shows the spirit of a new Ferguson."

Painting for Peace: A Coloring Book for All Ages ~ by Carol Swartout Klein, illustrated by Robert O'Neil, 2016, racism, 9/10

Perfect for all ages, this coloring book is designed for adults and children to color together and lets them join the hundreds of artists who transformed the community of Ferguson, Missouri, by creating dazzling and inspiring works of art with messages of peace, love, and community.  Now parents and grandparents can color with their little ones to create their own images based on the murals that covered the boarded-up windows of the town and brought real hope to the community after months of tension.  More than a dozen of the original art pieces as well as some new designs are featured with both simple and elaborate elements making it appropriate for all ages.  A wonderful companion piece to the award-winning children’s picture book Painting for Peace in Ferguson that has been acclaimed by reviewers, teachers, parents, and kids alike.  All profits from sales of both the picture book and the coloring book will be reinvested in the Ferguson community.

Meeting the author and illustrator

Carol Swartout Klein and Robert O'Neil were at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Ladue Crossing, half a mile from me, so three of us went to color single pages they brought for us while the author and a few participants shared stories.  Marilyn, Donna, and I all bought copies of the coloring book, which Carol is holding.  It was a great afternoon, sitting around that table (see the colored pencils?) with like-minded people.