Mrs. Butterbean is an elderly teacher whose house needs painting. She dreams that the tiny house will someday be the soft colours of the sea, sand, shells and sea glass.  While she is away for a weekend, her neighbour, Solomon, asks some of her former students to help him paint her house. Upon her return, they all celebrate with steel drums, singing and a picnic on the beach. She is so touched by their kindness, and decides to name her little house. With some remaining paint, she paints the name ‘WATERCOLOURS’ on a plaque that hangs above her porch. Mrs. Butterbean’s dream has come true!

About the Author:

Hannah Spencer is a world traveler, having lived in Spain, France, and St. Kitts. She teaches, tutors, and volunteers, doing work with small children. She has been doing this for 45 years. The author wants to make a difference in the world and writing wonderful stories for children can do just that. She would like to see more books with black characters available to all children.

Author's Note

The story takes place in the West Indies.  All the characters are black, as it is based on my experiences on the island of St. Kitts during the past twenty-five years.  I have used the British spelling where applicable, as I believe it makes the manuscript more authentic.