Rather than seeing it as an unfortunate delay of their project, Renata and Papi decide to let the avian carpenters continue their work. One warm night, after Papi leaves the window space open, two wrens begin making a nest in the bathroom. Renata and her father enjoy working on upgrading their bathroom, installing a clawfoot bathtub, and cutting a space for a new window. (The actual titles of the paintings are included in the backmatter.) One illustration shows a diverse group of children engaging in various activities, which invites young readers to imagine a world of possibilities for themselves, the way Parker does.Ī delightful story that speaks powerfully to the importance of representation.Ī home-renovation project is interrupted by a family of wrens, allowing a young girl an up-close glimpse of nature. In one, Einstein seems to be looking down on Parker and Gia, who laugh at his “bushy mustache,” and ballerinas in “frilly white tutus” step out of the frame to join the girls as they dance down a hall. The reimagined images of the paintings are brilliant. Parker’s thoughts about what she sees when she looks at Michelle Obama are assumed by her expressive gaze, well captured by illustrator Jackson. Just before they leave, Parker notices the portrait of Michelle Obama, stops in her tracks, and that viral photographic moment is born. The three girls dance through the halls of the museum noticing horses, flowers, and feathers in the famous works of art. At the museum, they see Parker’s friend Gia and her mother. One rainy afternoon, Parker’s mother (co-author Jessica Curry) makes the suggestion that they visit the museum, little sister Ava in tow. This book is based on the viral photograph of African American toddler Parker Curry, who, during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, became mesmerized by Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama, who she thought was a queen.

Parker curry book