#448 of 1001 · October 22, 2021

In honor of the amazing @jerrypinkneystudio, let’s explore his work in collaboration with author Patricia C. McKissack in Mirandy and Brother Wind. It is spring, and the community of Ridgetop prepares to hold its traditional cakewalk dance. Mirandy, powerfully excited to attend, wishes she could bring Brother Wind as her partner. When her Ma Dear relates an old saying that whoever catches the wind can make him do their bidding, Mirandy sets out to do just that. She receives tidbits of advice from various acquaintances around the county, including a good-natured local boy named Ezel, whose reputation for clumsiness has made him an unlikely candidate to dance with anyone at all. Finally, quite by chance, Mirandy successfully traps Brother Wind in her barn and prepares to summon him as her partner at the cakewalk. However, when she hears Ezel being mocked behind his back, she has a change of heart, and chooses to dance with him instead. Whether their preternaturally light and graceful steps are the result of their own effort or the mystical influence of Brother Wind is left for the reader to decide. McKissack’s winning narrative in African-American dialect makes for an delightful read. Pinkney’s illustrations are a triumph, with each full-page spread chock full of energy and expressive emotion. Particularly enchanting is his lively depiction of Brother Wind as an elegant, jovial spirit in transparent blue, cyan, and gray. May we all dance with such magic in our step. Rest in peace, Mr. Pinkney. #brother #wind #dance #magic #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks