For young Emily, who is learning about Pablo Picasso in school, the painter’s work is a perfect metaphor for what is happening in her life. His mixed-up, abstract paintings echo her life outside of school, because her dad has moved out. As for Picasso’s Blue Period? Emily’s in a blue period, too. Picasso’s work in collage inspires a breakthrough, however, as Emily begins bringing the disparate parts of her life in two homes together in an art project that symbolizes her new, expansive understanding of what “home” can be. Cathleen Daly’s picture book is so much more than clever, although it’s certainly that. It’s emotionally rich and resonant, capturing with humor, warmth and honesty a family navigating a difficult transition. Lisa Brown’s illustrations perfectly echo the shifting emotional landscapes of the story. (Ages 4–8)

Emily wants to be an artist. She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up.

Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing.

"When Picasso was sad for a while," says Emily, "he only painted in blue. And now I am in my blue period."

It might last quite some time.

A Neal Porter Book