Imagine! by Raúl Colón
"I can only hope that young readers (and older one's too) experience these visuals and want to visit the nearest museum to free their own minds and explore their thoughts - away from the gadgets and the screens that sometimes are designed to 'think' for us."
Bibliography:Colón, Raúl. 2018. Imagine!. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781481462730
Plot Summary:
In this wordless semi-autobiographical story, a young boy skateboards to the Museum of Modern Art, where he encounters his first art museum experience. As the boy studies each exhibit, his favorite paintings begin to come to life and join him on an imaginative adventure through New York City. Together, the boy and art characters sing in the park, take a train, ride a rollercoaster, eat hotdogs, and travel to the top of the Statue of Liberty. Afterward, they return to the museum so that the artworks can retire to their paintings. On the way home, the boy creates his own chalk masterpiece inspired by his adventurous day. In the end, he dreams of all the beautiful and unique works of art that sparked his imagination.Critical Analysis:
Imagine! by Raúl Colón is a rich and engaging story told through the eyes of imagination and illustration. Each page perfectly captures the setting, as readers follow the boy across the Brooklyn Bridge, the Museum of Modern Art, a ride on the Cyclone rollercoaster, Central Park, the top of the Statue of Liberty, and more.
The story's style is unique as readers depend on their imagination to create the literature because there are no words throughout the book. However, the plot is clear as the illustrations help move the narrative along, revealing how the art museum inspires the protagonist's insight and creativity.
Readers of all ages will relate to the boy's sense of independence, wonder, and creativity. The protagonist is also culturally depicted through significant details of characterization, texture, and vibrant colors. The charming story unfolds a deeper meaning of the importance of imagination, inspiration, and creativity. Children and all readers will be encouraged to discover the treasures in their city, try a new hobby (like skateboarding), and spark fantasies of innovation.
Review Excerpts:
Awards & Recognitions:
- ALA Notable Children's Books
- Cooperative Children's Book Council Choice
- Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List
- New York Public Library Best Books for Kids
From Booklist, "A delightful wordless tribute to the arts with a magical touch."
From New York Times Book Review, "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."
From Kirkus Reviews, "Colon’s latest again challenges readers to discover inspiration through ingenious means…beautifully euphoric."
From School Library Journal, "Captures the drama of a personal artistic experience and the lasting impact it can have…compelling…an irresistible invitation to creativity."
From Publisher's Weekly, "Colón’s vibrant scenes make it clear that visiting works of art can breathe magic into the everyday and inspire further creativity afterward."
From Kirkus Reviews, "Colon’s latest again challenges readers to discover inspiration through ingenious means…beautifully euphoric."
From School Library Journal, "Captures the drama of a personal artistic experience and the lasting impact it can have…compelling…an irresistible invitation to creativity."
From Publisher's Weekly, "Colón’s vibrant scenes make it clear that visiting works of art can breathe magic into the everyday and inspire further creativity afterward."
Connections:
- Discussion: Share your thoughts about your favorite illustration from the book. Was it inspiring? What did you like about it?
- Use your imagination to recreate an illustration from the book, or draw something unique, such as a place anywhere in the world that you would like to visit.
- Discussion: Have you ever been to an art museum? If so, share your story about your experience. Did you have a favorite artwork?
Enjoy other books by Raúl Colón:
- Colón, Raúl. Draw!. ISBN: 9781442494923
- Colón, Raúl. Orson Blasts Off!. ISBN: 9780689842788
Experience more Raúl Colón illustrations here:
- Burleigh, Robert. Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor. Illustrated by Raúl Colón. ISBN: 9781481416009
- Colón, Edie. Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York!. Illustrated by Raúl Colón. ISBN: 9781442406742
- Fenner, Carol. Yolanda's Genius. Illustrated by Raúl Colón. ISBN: 9780689821721
- Gray, Libba Moore. My Mama Had a Dancing Heart. Illustrated by Raúl Colón. ISBN: 9780531071427
- Mora, Pat. Tomás and the Library Lady. Illustrated by Raúl Colón. ISBN: 9780613283625
Read other wordless stories:
- Becker, Aaron. Journey. ISBN: 9780763660536
- Cordell, Matthew. Wolf in the Snow. ISBN: 9781250076366
- Raschka, Chris. A Ball for Daisy. ISBN: 9780375858611
Extra Content: To Kick Those Boredom Blues.
Watch this short video of Raúl Colón discussing his book Draw!
Imagine! read-along: