An Abundance of Light: A Story of Matisse in Morocco

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

Henri Matisse searches for light and inspiration in Morocco in the year 1912 in this vibrant picture book biography telling the story of a formative experience in the painter’s life.

Henri Matisse loves to paint colors bright and bold and light. But during a cold, rainy winter in Paris, everything and everyone, including Henri, feels cloudy and dark. Henri can’t paint. Following the advice of a good friend, Henri packs his bags and a trunk full of canvases, paints, brushes, and inks and travels to Tangier, Morocco, hoping to find an abundance of light. But when he arrives, Tangier is suffering its coldest, rainiest winter in years! What will Henri do?

This illuminating picture book biography introduces readers to the genius and inspiration of Henri Matisse as he discovers that sometimes the darkest shadows bring the brightest light.

About the Author

Lauren Stringer has illustrated many celebrated picture books, including Deer Dancer by Mary Lyn Ray; The Princess and Her Panther by Wendy Orr; Scarecrow and Snow, both written by Cynthia Rylant; as well as her own Winter Is the Warmest Season, When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky, The Dark Was Done, and An Abundance of Light. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit her at LaurenStringer.com.