What if the thing that made you different
was also the thing that made your art beautiful?
In the glowing streets of 1870s Paris, a little black cat named Matilda watches her beloved friend Pierre-Auguste Renoir struggle to believe in himself. While critics dismiss his paintings, Matilda sees something others do not yet understand — the warmth, color, light, and joy Renoir sees everywhere around him.
Determined to help him find his “Bon Courage,” Matilda encourages Renoir to trust his own way of looking at the world and to keep painting even when others do not believe in him.
Filled with luminous illustrations inspired by Renoir’s style and the dreamy atmosphere of old Paris, this gentle story explores:
courage and self-beliefcreativity and artistic visionlearning to face criticism and rejectionthe importance of encouragement and friendshiphow great art often begins with seeing the world differentlyInspired by the life of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, this heartfelt picture book invites children and adults alike into a world of light, imagination, and quiet courage.
🌿 Reader NoteBecause this is a richly illustrated picture book, it is best enjoyed in print or on a color-capable device.
🌿 Other Books by B.B. La WhewThe Story of Vincent van Gogh’s Dog Named BeauBubble Gum! Bubble Gum! Mommy, May I Have Some?The Color of ChangeHow Elspeth Became a Troll Princess Book 1 The AwakeningHow Elspeth Became a Troll Princess Book 2 The First Trial
