My First Book of Colors by Robb Pearlman, Illustrated by Bob Ross

My First Book of Colors
Author: Robb Pearlman
Illustrator: Bob Ross
Published March 24th, 2020 by Running Press Kids

Summary: A titanium snowcapped mountain. A happy little tree made with Van Dyke Brown and Dark Sienna. A majestic, vibrant phthalo blue sky. Bob Ross: My First Book of Colors is an early concept board book featuring various Bob Ross paintings and some of Bob’s little quips about each of the thirteen colors he used on his palette in front of TV audiences. Full of real paintings from the iconic artist, this is sure to be a hit for any Bob Ross fan.

Colors include:
Alizarin Crimson
Bright Red
Cadmium Yellow Hue
Dark Sienna
Indian Yellow
Midnight Black
Phthalo Blue
Prussian Blue
Sap Green
Titanium White
Van Dyke Brown
Yellow Ochre

About the Creators:

Robb Pearlman is the author of many books, including Groundhog’s Day Off, Raggedy Ann and Andy: Leaf Dance, and Passover is Here! Today, his favorite color is blue, but it may be purple tomorrow! He grew up in New York City and now lives in a white and green house in New Jersey with his husband and Oscar, the butterscotch-colored best puppy in the world.

with art from Bob Ross — artist, painting instructor, and television personality — has for decades charmed and inspired the world with his matchless look, signature style, and words of wisdom and encouragement.

Review: This is a next-level color book! It takes the basics of color and shows that there are levels, hues, and specifics between different types of the “regular” colors we know. It also ties the colors directly into Ross’s artwork which is a fun touch! It is nice to see a color book that is unlike others.

One of the greatest appeals of Bob Ross is how he speaks about painting and color with his fun phrases and positive outlook, and this book definitely captures the essence of Ross.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Elementary art teachers take note! What a fun color book to use with primary kids!

The book can also be used to look at similarities and differences & descriptive words (see discussion questions).

Discussion Questions:

What are the differences between the different yellows? Blues?
How does Ross use a color that surprised you?
What is your favorite color in the book?
Pick one of the colors with a descriptive name. Why does is that work (sienna, midnight, prussian, etc.) used to describe that color?

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