Nova Scotian folk artist Maud Lewis loved playing piano as a child. When her hands started growing twisted and stiff from a mysterious condition (since identified as rheumatoid arthritis), she could no longer play but she could hold the paintbrush her mother gave her. “Maud jabbed the brush into red and dragged it across the paper. … Red on white made its own kind of music.” She loved painting, excited by shape and color and line. In adulthood, Maud couldn’t find a job to support herself. Then a gruff fishmonger named Everett Lewis hired her as his live-in housekeeper once she assured him that her condition was not contagious. “Everett was strong in body. Maud was strong in spirit.” They married, and although money remained tight, Maud painted wherever and whenever she could. “She painted on walls, windows, doors, shelves, trays, breadboxes, the canisters, the dustpan … Even the woodstove!” The once dreary house became a work of art. The joyful, vibrant spirit of this singular artist’s work shines from both words and images in this appreciative account, while a welcome note provides more about Maud’s work and legacy as an artist as well as perspectives on her marriage to Everett. (Ages 7-10)

A celebration of a beloved folk artist, and her artistic expression of joy and beauty.

Known for her vibrant and cheerful paintings of landscapes, plants, and animals, Maud Lewis’ iconic folk art is celebrated around the world. Despite her beautiful art, she spent much of her life living in poverty with rheumatoid arthritis. In this stunning picture book, author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Lauren Soloy bring Maud’s world to life: how she captured in her art what she loved most, while navigating the mobility issues caused by her condition. From bright paintings of the sea and countryside, to the flowers and birds she painted on the walls of the small house she shared with her husband, Maud’s work continues to delight and inspire viewers young and old.

A Tulip in Winter features:

• Backmatter about Maud Lewis’ life and legacy
• Notes from the author and illustrator about how Maud has impacted their lives

Uplifting and visually compelling, Maud’s story will inspire young readers to find and focus on the beauty in their worlds.