Paint Box

A Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice selection for 2005

Nominated for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for Illustration for 2004

Marietta's father, Jacopo Tintoretto, is a renowned and famous artist living in Venice during the Renaissance era. More than anything, Merietta wants to paint like her father. But Marietta is a girl--to work and study with her father she must disguise herself in boy's clothing. Her hose and doublet allow her to accompany her father to the studios and galleries of Venice with the paint box her father has given her.

"A gift from one painter to another, my dear. The work of an artist can fill the heart with light. Use it well, Marietta, and your heart will know happiness."

When Marietta meets Piero, a young cabin boy, she is envious of everything he sees sailing the oceans--mountains, meadows and seas far from Venice. But Piero, sold into slavery to the ship's captain, only dreams of staying at home and learning to paint. As the friendship between the two grows throughout the summer, they make plans that will allow Piero's dreams to come to fruition. And when the time for Piero's escape home arrives, Marietta's special gift of her cherished paint box makes his trip extra special.

Kristin Harris - Children's Literature

The beautiful legacy of the Renaissance and specifically, the city of Venice, intrigue us to this day. Marietta was the daughter of the great artist Tintoretto. She had to dress like a boy to accompany her father and pursue her own passion for painting. Her father gave her a beautiful blue box full of drawing and painting supplies. One day when Marietta was in her father's studio, a sea captain came in for a portrait. Looking out of the window, Marietta saw a young boy on the street. He smiled at her. "Father, I must draw him." Thus began a friendship that would alter both of their lives. Piero was the sea captain's slave. He loved to draw and had no desire to return to sea with the captain, despite the fact that he knew it was his destiny. Marietta was envious of his wandering the seven seas. They were constant companions. They found things to draw as they explored the canals and waterways of Venice. But soon the sea captain's portrait was completed and Piero was going to have to leave. Marietta came up with a daring plan that affected both of them. The illustrations are paintings done in the Renaissance style. Many of the backgrounds appear to be tinted photographs of Venice, skillfully blended into the painting of the characters in the story. A particularly appealing image is of the two children's feet dangling in a canal while they watch raindrops make circles on the water. 2003, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Ages 6 to 10.

A prolific writer and educator, Maxine Trottier makes history come alive in picture books and novels for young readers. Her award-winning titles include Claire's Gift, which won the Mr. Christie's Book Award, The Paint Box, and Prairie Willow. Born in Michigan, Maxine is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. and makes her home in Port Stanley, Ontario.