Benjamin West and his Cat Grimalkin...

Benjamin West and his Cat Grimalkin by Marguerite Henry is the story of a Quaker boy who has an extraordinary gift.  West grew up in 1700's Pennsylvania territory .  He could paint realistic pictures and portraits.  The problem was Quaker's viewed picture making as belonging to this world and the things of this world.

Finally Papa place the drawing on the table.  "The image of Sally should be carried in our hearts," he said, as he looked up over the rims of this spectacles.  "Not on a piece of paper.  Pictures fade; memories remain green forever."  p. 42


Henry's story delightfully tells West's boyhood story.  Benjamin West went on to become the Father of American painting.  This book is recommended by Beautiful Feet and TruthQuest.