Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on 2023
ISBN: 9780063237490
Genres: Arts, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Olive Chen is an enthusiastic , energetic child artist who loves bright colors and abstract art.  Her parents are “serious artists”.  One only paints squares, while the other only paints triangles.  They, and their art, are only depicted in black & white.  Olive’s teacher and her classmates are also strictly black & white.  The adults cannot fathom Olive’s apparent inability to draw black & white geometric shapes, as all serious artists should.  However, Olive’s classmates love her paintings and want to know how she produces such lively, vibrant works.  She shows them by leading them on a wild adventure, painting the whole town as they go.   They end at Olive’s parents’ art museum.  Her parents are initially appalled, but once they see what Olive has achieved, they ask her to add some color to their museum.  Olive shocks them all by painting a perfect circle… in all the blazing colors of the sun.

I highly recommend this book for libraries, classrooms, and even as a gift.  It is perfect for any child seeking all the joys and exuberance that come from finding acceptance and praise for being one’s own true self.  Recommended for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine – Gorham Campus Library