Prairie artist

Breaking Free: The Story of William Kurelek
by May Ebbitt Cutler


William Kurelek is an artist best known for his picture books A Prairie Boy's Winter and A Prairie Boy's Summer. His finely detailed paintings capture the wide open spaces of the Canadian prairies and the call of its distant horizons. 

Cutler tells the story of Kurelek's life, from his difficult childhood to his death from cancer. He also struggled with depression, yet was able to paint deeply sympathetic portraits of immigrant lives and religious faith. Painting was the way for Kurelek to break free from his troubles.

Cutler writes with empathy and care, creating a text that is sensitive and slightly haunting. Best for ages 10 and up.