Vanessa and the Enchanted Painting

Utterly beguiling. Even the rainbow could take a lesson or two from Ms. Rich's palate which fairly spills over on every page. Who knew such colors existed?! Ms. Rich, what planet are you from? A thousand thanks for settling here and bringing your paint-brush with you.

Imaginatively written and busily illustrated by Beatrice Rich, Vanessa and the Enchanted Painting is an energetic picture book story about Vanessa, a young girl and her pals Max and Paulie who step through a painting and thereby find themselves in a mystical enchanted world. Just when they fear themselves lost for good, an angel shows them the way back. Vanessa and the Enchanted Painting is recommended as being a charming picture book story profusely illustrated with abstract-style color pastels.

The author captures more than a little of the beauty in this world and gives children a visual treat as she takes them on a journey of the imagination. The illustrations are so lovely and the message profound, yet on a scale that small children can appreciate. What a wonderful bedtime story! In a world filled with scary stuff, it's a comfort to know that this beautiful angel watches over us all.

Beatrice Rich once again takes us on a beautifully imaginative and spiritually invigorating voyage in Vanessa and the Enchanted Painting. As in Vanessa and the Angel, the first book of the series, Ms. Rich encourages children to follow their dreams . In this episode Vanessa, Max the dog, and Pauline the cat are at a gallery admiring a painting when suddenly they find themselves in it and exploring all the wonderful possiblities it holds. With her use of words and colors, Beatrice Rich inspires us all !