It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear, Julie Morstad
Published by HarperCollins on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 0062447629
Pages: 48
Goodreads

Telling the story of artist Gyo Fujikawa, It Began with a Page is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told picture book biography. With a propensity for art beginning at a very young age, the story follows Fujikawa’s success as an artist, and the immensely painful separation from her family who were detained in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Fujikawa published her first groundbreaking children’s book Babies in 1963, depicting children of all races playing together, representing racial diversity that was virtually nonexistent in children’s books prior to that time. Julie Morstad’s exquisite artwork perfectly illustrates the difficult and triumphant story of Fujikawa’s life. Balancing both color and black and white imagery, Morstad is skillful in conveying emotion and richly enhancing Kyo Maclear’s direct and concise text. Endnotes include a timeline of Fujikawa’s life, including photographs, as well as notes from the author and illustrator. While recommended for children ages 5-8, this heartfelt biography could easily engage children older than 8, and adults alike.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland