I took my daughter to see Hidden Figures, the Theodore Melfi film about a team of African-American women mathematicians at NASA, today. I spent as much time looking at Iole’s face as I did the screen. Her shock at how Katherine G. Johnson –– a genius mathematician who calculated flight trajectories for Project Mercury and other missions –– was forced to run half a mile in heels every day to get to the colored bathroom. Her delight (with tears) as Katherine’s boyfriend proposed marriage. Her awe as the space ships successfully rocketed into the sky. We had front row seats, which was unpleasant, (they really should charge less for those!) but I loved every minute of it.

Claire Basler‘s world is one that I would love to step into. The French floral artist lives and works in an old schoolhouse in Les Ormes, near Paris and spends her days immersed in beautiful flowers. She creates massive arrangements all over the house, and then photographs and paints them in her sun-drenched studio. Her home, Château de Beauvoir has been featured in many magazines, and is a work of art in itself.

The Eagle Huntress tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who’s father trains her to become the first female eagle hunter. It’s a breathtaking film, with exquisite panoramic shots of Mongolia’s snowy Altai Mountains and a stunning soundtrack (including “Angel by the Wings” by Sia). I’ve read that director, Otto Bell took artistic license in parts, embellishing facts and staging shots, but only a purist would let that get in their way of his enjoyment. A true documentary it may not be, but it’s wildly uplifting and incredibly beautiful, none the less. If you think that your kids can stomach a few sacrificial scenes, take them to see this film. They’ll be awestruck.

When I was just a baby, we had a Scottish Terrier named McDuff. For a log time, I believed that all Scottish Terriers were called McDuff. It is a perfect name. It turned out that McDuff did a runner one day, and got hit by a train. Even though I don’t remember him, the story still makes me sad. After McDuff came Magnus the Great Dane. He also did runners ––mostly to visit us in the schoolyard –– but he never got hurt. It’s a shame the two didn’t meet. Magnus & McDuff –– what a pair that would have been.

I came across this photo of artist, Rafa Macarrón in his studio and I was intrigued to see more. His mixed media canvases have all the colour, naivety and whimsy I look for in a painting. I see elements of Klee, Miro, and Matisse. I think his style would lend itself beautifully to a children’s book. “Through his colourful palettes and pseudo-cosmic narratives, Macarrón attempts to capture the world’s innocence, and the beauty and surprise of everyday life.” Take a look if you have a moment today –– his skinny legged camel and peculiar giraffe will make you smile.

It was this beautiful pair of gloves that first caught my eye. And once you enter Bunnie Reiss’ world, you’ll find it hard to leave. From cosmic costumes to richly patterned quilts to murals adorned with peacocks and moons and evil eyes, Reiss’ universe is pure magic. Doesn’t everyone want a tent atop their car? And what kid wouldn’t go bonkers building an art fort? I’ll take one of her nature paintings –– Charlie Harper meets early Kandinsky.