cover image The Color Book

The Color Book

Sophie Benini Pietromarchi, trans. from the Italian by Guido Lagomarsino. Tara (PGW, dist.), $21.95 (144p) ISBN 978-93-83145-01-0

Pietromarchi, who examined bookmaking in 2007’s The Book Book, invites readers to join her in a “Color Dance” as she explores the memories and feelings colors can evoke, as well as how to create and personalize colors. She opens by sharing her own associations (“I can’t help connecting the color black with deafening noise of coal chucked in an oven at night”), inventing color characters (she imagines red as a dragon, and blue as a feather that “cools other colors, but also gives them a serious, deep touch”), and creating “color forests” of found objects that represent the breadth of different colors. Amid a riot of paintings, collages, and photos, Pietromarchi encourages readers to think, explore, and make their own discoveries and connections. A gorgeously crafted book with much to offer both pragmatic and experimental artists alike. Ages 8–up. (Apr.)