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Ever since she was a little girl, Aloubell loved to draw. Her initial dream was to become an animator, but after acquiring a love for reading, she knew that the path meant for her was one that combined literature and art. With God's help and a lot of inspiration, she was able to improve her art style over time until she came to a point where she felt confident enough to finally put herself out there and publish a book. Aloubell wanted to make a work of art that wouldn't simply fade away into the deep fog that is the internet. She wanted something tangible that others could come back to time and time again. The hope is not only that people enjoy her art and her story, but that Clio's Colorful Quest also inspires the creativity and imagination of those who read it.
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Clio's Colorful Quest is an adventure-themed picture book for children written and illustrated by Aloubell. In her introduction, the author indicates that Clio represents “the process where I try to decide the color palette of a drawing;” which she describes as being one of her five creative processes or “mascots.” While Clio starts out her story and adventure with her “normal” color choices -- purple eyes and dress, and long black hair -- she changes those external choices as her story progresses and as she discovers more about herself. As Clio begins to fly with flowers, her dress and hair take on the golden and mauve tints of her surroundings. Her movement into the wintry realm of ice, snow and clear nighttime skies sees her color palette simplified to reflect the stark contrasts of wintertime. The reader follows Clio as she discovers more and more about her world and herself, and they can see how her color palette changes with each new adventure. When she decides to expand her search to the encompass the entire globe, the reader sees her vividly considering the variety of hues available to her.
Clio's Colorful Quest celebrates the power of the imagination and the wonders of our natural world as Clio travels the globe and learns about herself in the process. Aloubell’s story is the stuff of fantasy, and her artwork is equally enchanting. As I explored Clio’s world, I was especially impressed with how the artist shares her love for, and knowledge of, colors with young readers. Each new adventure and page offers caregivers and children alike the opportunity to study the artist’s palette choices and see how Clio’s environment, mood and feelings are graphically represented. I loved the color chart Aloubell shares with the reader as Clio searches the world and explores utilizing the gift of song. The artwork and storyline are lovely; however, their use as inspirational tools to get kids and adults alike creating their own palettes and exploring their own worlds is what really got me excited about this book. There’s much to discover along with Clio, and it’s well worth the time spent doing so. Clio's Colorful Quest is most highly recommended.
