In a whimsical wordless story, a young Latino boy checks his skateboard at the front desk of the Museum of Modern Art and enters into the world of fine art—literally. Characters from Matisse’s Icarus, Picasso’s Three Musicians, and Rousseau’s Sleeping Gypsy come to life and step out of the paintings to follow the boy through the museum and then right out the front door into the streets of New York City. They dance past familiar city landmarks and take a subway to Coney Island before heading back to the museum and reassuming their original poses. Colón’s playful tribute to the power of art, creativity, and imagination is illustrated in spirited watercolor, Prismacolor pencils, and lithographic pencils. (Ages 4–8)

An ALA Notable Book
A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids
A Bookpage Best Book

“This fine book provides not only exposure to art…but also an example of a boy—a boy of color, a boy in America—with a passion for fine art.” —The New York Times

“The prosaic world of the city boy we meet…is transformed into a realm of wonder not by a quirk of quantum physics but by exposure to fine art.” —The Wall Street Journal

“A joyful, wordless exploration of artistic discovery.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“Colon’s latest again challenges readers to discover inspiration through ingenious means…beautifully euphoric.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Captures the drama of a personal artistic experience and the lasting impact it can have…compelling…an irresistible invitation to creativity.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

“A delightful wordless tribute to the arts with a magical touch.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Colón’s vibrant scenes make it clear that visiting works of art can breathe magic into the everyday and inspire further creativity afterward.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Six starred reviews for New York Times bestselling artist Raúl Colón’s wordless picture book about a visit to the museum and the power of art and imagination, which “hums with and jubilation” (The Horn Book, starred review).

After passing a city museum many times, a boy finally decides to go in. He passes wall after wall of artwork until he sees a painting that makes him stop and ponder. Before long the painting comes to life and an afternoon of adventure and discovery unfolds, changing how he sees the world ever after.