Araminta's Paint Box (Aladdin Picture Books) [Paperback]

Karen Ackerman (Author), Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Aladdin Picture Books

When her family moves to California in 1847, Araminta and her paint box become separated, but through a series of new owners, the box finds it way across the country and back to its owner. The paint box changes hands as it travels across the U.S.--from a Dutch farmer to a gambler, from a young bride to a Mormon family--taking readers on a journey across the newly settled country. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As Araminta's family make their way west in 1847, her wooden paint box goes astray; it takes on a number of uses before artist and paints are reunited. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Araminta journeys from Boston to California with her parents in 1847, carrying with her a beloved box of paints. Along the way, the paint box is jolted out of the covered wagon and found by a young boy. Passing hands many times, the box eventually lands in the hands of a gold prospector on his way to California. After being treated by a local doctor for snakebite, he offers to pay in gold, which he is carrying in the box. The doctor, however, refuses anything more than the wooden mining box for payment, delighted to find a box so like the one his daughter had lost so long ago. He plans to make a new paint box for Araminta, bringing the story to full cycle. Although contrived, this is still an engaging way to present a slice of early American history to young children. Pen-and-watercolor illustrations charmingly capture the lighthearted spirit of this westward saga. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; 1st edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689820917
• ISBN-13: 978-0689820915
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,211,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Arminita's Paintbox, December 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Araminta's Paint Box (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

In 1847 Araminta and her family are traveling from Boston to California in this delightful story. Stopping in Scranton, Pennsylvania, her uncle gives her a beautiful paint box that later tumbles out of their wagon. The paintbox passes into many hands from a riverboat gambler, to a young wife then, on to a Mormon family. This female historical narrative tells in a entertaining way the story of westward expansion to a young audience. The soft pastel-like watercolor illustration are beautiful.