We start our lives as a blank canvas. It's our diverse experiences that add color and definition to our painting.Gerald's world was often harsh and challenging. Feelings of loneliness and isolation were normal for him. The people in his life didn't understand him and as a result, often ignored him, or refused to make time for him. However, the nature that surrounded Gerald inspired the most sympathetic and caring young child you could ever know.It was Gerald's love of the world's creatures and all of its beauty that enabled the magic of his painting to come to life. The personal growth and the steps Gerald took to protect his creation is what truly made him exceptional. Readers Favorite Book Review: Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite In The Painting by Kathleen J. Shields, the author has taken one of the most controversial topics and written the most inspiring, heartfelt story I have had the privilege to read in a long time. As simple as the story is, it will hold the reader's attention from the beginning to the end. The reader will find that they will pick up this book not once but many, many times. The main characters are Gerald, his parents, Dereck, Tiffany, and Sadie. There are minor characters that only emphasize how someone who is different will stand out as society has dictated throughout the centuries how people act, respond to certain events, dress, eat, and behave. The author shares with the reader that we are all blank canvases and it is up to us what medium we use to paint ourselves. The Painting by Kathleen J. Shields will have the reader crying, being angry with the inconsiderateness of mankind, laughing at the joy, and wishing that mankind would be more understanding about the world around us and that it is only on loan; we will have to answer questions. This book brings the creation of the earth and the coming of Jesus together and explains it in such a beautiful way. The end of the book is the most surprising of all. Any teacher of religious studies would love to have this book on their shelf as it is very enlightening. Thank you to the author for granting me the privilege of reading this book. I highly recommend it to others and will always keep it close just for inspiration when the rest of the world is going to pot.