I also enjoyed Greg Couch's illustrations, especially the use of color to present energy and movement against calm earth-tones - Althea is always shown in the middle of a rainbow rush to give us a sense of the movement, energy, and passion of the person. Towards the end of the book, as Althea learns to control her inner fire, the colors become softer, but they're never put out. Althea tames her own impulses but she doesn't lose herself or her energy.

I always enjoy picture book biographies - the tight word counts demanded force an author to give us a focused snapshot of the person in a lyrical way, which can be more deeply revealing than a heavy biographical tome. Nothing but Trouble gave me a revealing glimpse of Gibson in a way that felt true, and left me encouraged. As long as people are willing to nurture and help one another, as Buddy Walker did for Althea Gibson, the "American dream" still lives.