Exploring Poetry

A condensed format,

Concise, eloquent words,

A powerful message

And poetry is born.

         I have always been awe of people who are able to convey so much with so little, who are able to paint an image or evoke emotion by intricately combining a few words. However, I have to confess that I was one of those kids who didn’t have a great fondness for poetry. While selecting a book, I have always gravitated towards prose than verse. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t have an aversion for poetry; I have read my fair share of poems and have gained profound insights, but it’s just not my first choice in reading materials. So for this blog post, I have chosen poetry books that are simple and easy to read, which I think is a good way to ease children into this genre.

FORGET-ME-NOTS

Poems to Learn by Heart

Selected by: Mary Ann Hoberman

Illustrated by: Michael Emberley

120 poems, long and short, happy and sad, strange and mysterious, are all put together in this delightful anthology selected by Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman. It’s a banquet of different kinds of poems that is sure to satisfy the palate of every poetry lover. Classical poets from Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson to newer ones like Shel Silverstein and Nikki Grimes find a place in this anthology, and even Shakespeare is not left behind.Each of the poems is chosen for the simple reason that they are “memorable,” in other words are “easy to remember” and are “worth remembering.” These poems, some old, some new when learned by heart will stay with the reader forever like a well-cherished memory. Poems like The Arrow and the Song by H.W.Longfellow, Who Has Seen the Wind? by Christina Rossetti  took me down the memory lane as they were part of my growing up years. The fact that I remembered these poems proves the point that once these poems make a house in our memories, they remain there perpetually. However, I do have doubts about the memorability factor of some of the longer poems. There are poems in this collection that I found a connection to. The poem My Name by Lee Bennett Hopkins talks about a girl who tries writing her name on the sidewalk and on her hands, but all her efforts meet with the same fate; it gets washed away. Then the perfect place to write her name dawns on her. She realizes that a birthday card for her mother with her (girl’s) name on it would be perfect. Her mother does not throw away anything of the girl, so she knows that her name will remain there forever. As a mother myself, I know the compelling desire to preserve everything and anything that is remotely associated with my son. I have scribbled cards and indistinguishable ‘art-work’ to prove it.

     Any description of this book would be incomplete without mentioning the charming illustrations by Michael Emberley. Illustrations done with pencils, watercolor, and pastels are seen in every page of the book, and they match the mood and subject of the poem. Silly and whimsical poems have

funny illustrations whereas thought-provoking and somber poems have serious illustrations. The poems and illustrations in this anthology transport us to a fantastical world that is both real and whimsical at the same time and makes the readers experience a wide range of emotions from laughter to sorrow. Many of the short and silly poems have a rhythm that young readers can easily pick up, making this an excellent book for young readers.

                                                   I Have Heard of a Land

                                                      By: Joyce Carol Thomas

                                                Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper

Drawing inspiration from her own family, Joyce Carol Thomas has written in verse a powerful anthem to the strong and resilient American Pioneers who through courage turned their dreams into reality. In the late 1800’s Blacks, Whites, men, and women moved to Oklahoma Territory to lay

stake on free land. This poem offers a new perspective on an era that is otherwise well-documented for slavery and segregation. This lyrical narrative describes the happiness and hardships that a brave African-American woman experiences as she lays her claim on the free land. It is a land where she knows that her dreams can come to fruition if she works hard and survives the harsh conditions. A land where “possibilities reach as far as her eyes can see, and as far as our imaginations can carry us.” Through simple descriptive language, Joyce Thomas paints not only the beauty of the new frontier but also describes the grit of the people who created a niche for themselves in an unknown and uncharted land. Floyd Cooper’s oil-wash portraits complement and enhance the quality of the book. Cooper uses unique oil wash on board technique or "subtractive process" of painting, where he first paints the illustration board with oil paint and pastels, and then he erases using a stretchy eraser to bring out the color to design a picture. Light pink, yellow and brown

are the prominent colors used in this book. He makes use of double-page spreads through the entire book to show the beauty of the land and the life of the Pioneers in the frontier.

Apart from the simple poetic narrative and the beautiful illustrations what stands out is the female protagonist, who dreams of owning land and is brave enough to follow through. When many African-Americans were still living under the shadows of slavery and women didn’t have any rights, we are presented in this poem a woman who has the courage and the fortitude to carve out her own future, and on her own terms. I think that this poem is a wonderful way to introduce a historical period to children and pique their curiosity about the way of life and the events of that time.

Historical Fiction

                                            Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

                                               Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Set in Mississippi in the 1930’s, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, is an unforgettable story of the Logan family and their struggle for a just and humane existence. Their desire to be independent, their unwavering love for each other, their courage, integrity, and pride in the face of racism is inspirational. This story is presented through the eyes of nine-year-old Cassie. She lives with her three brothers, mother, father and grandma on two hundred acres of their own land. The ownership of the land shields Cassie and her brothers from some of the very harsh realities that many African American families faced during that time. Of course, Cassie and brothers have brushes with racism in the form of lack of buses to their school, being forced to use books previously owned by white students, and going to segregated under-funded schools. However, for Cassie, it takes the events of one turbulent year to comprehend the true extent of hatred that existed outside of the safe and loving cocoon that her family had created for her and her brothers. She is made aware of the insignificance of a black man’s life in the eyes of a white man through the burnings conducted by the “night riders,” the sense of superiority that a white girl feels as she humiliates Cassie because of the color of her skin. Cassie and her family find small ways to retaliate against injustice; whether it be Cassie standing up to her tormentor or the Logan family refusing to buy grocery from a person who is known have killed or tortured African-Americans. The family belief is eloquently stated by Cassie’s father when he says, “You have to demand respect in this world, ain’t nobody just gonna hand it to you. How you carry yourself, what you stand for – that’s how you gain respect. But, little one, ain’t nobody’s respect worth more than your own” (Pg. 176).Throughout the book we see the Logan family living up to those words both in action and in essence.  

Inspired by the experiences of her own family, the author has written a story that is compelling, thought-provoking and brutally honest in the portrayal of the time period it is set in. Although fictionalized, this book does provide, what seems to be an authentic record of the African-American experience. Each character in the story etches out a place for themselves in our heart, whether it be the loving grandma, the hardworking and wise father, the caring mother, protective and honorable elder brother, supportive younger brothers or the spirited spitfire Cassie. The author wants us to get to know the Logan family, establish a kinship with them and walk in their shoes. Through their joys, their sorrows, their disappointments, their fear and their humiliation we get a glimpse of one of the darkest periods of American history where the worth of a human was decided by the color of their skin. The author does not believe in glossing over the events in the story and reading about some of the atrocities makes you cringe, but I guess that’s the intent of the author. She wants us to remember and not forget the unspeakable crimes committed on fellow humans as this nation was trying to find and establish its identity. She, in my opinion, also wants young readers to read about the abhorrent path of racism that this nation has traveled and learn from it and pledge never to go down that path again. Along with themes of larger historical context like racism, segregation, microcosmic themes like the personal fight for self-respect and dignity are also addressed by the author.         

                                                Just in time, ABRAHAM LINCOLN

                                                 Author/Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Michael and Derek are not happy campers because their grandmother has prohibited them from using any electronic devices on their journey to Washington DC. Like many in this generation, they don’t know what to do without their iPads, phones, and games. The boys get prepared for what is sure to be a tedious journey. Their first stop is Harpers Ferry Civil War Museum, where they meet Mr. Portufoy, a collector of Civil war uniforms, rifles, and photographs of Civil War photographer Mathew Brady. The Civil War museum bores them at the beginning until Mr. Portufoy encourages them to try on the Union uniforms. They enthusiastically try it on and also agree to play a “real game.” The museum curator shows them a door and says that when they step through that door, they'll find themselves in Antietam just after the battle. As a part of the rules, they're not allowed to tell anyone about their present life, and they are required to come back before sunset. The boys go through the door and walk into the year 1862. At first, they think that they are witnessing a re-enactment of the Civil War, but gradually things start falling into place, and they realize that they really have traveled back in time to the Civil War era. They meet the famous photographer, Mathew Brady, who takes them from one battlefield to another. Traveling with him, they get a first-hand glimpse of the horror and the carnage associated with war. It is here that they get to meet a weary President Lincoln, who is saddened and burdened by the loss of human lives. He bares his heart in front of the boys and says “I can only wonder as I stand here today if it is worth this dreadful sacrifice…..My heart breaks that I ordered these lads to their death.” Seeing the sadness on the President’s face, the boys comfort him by reassuring him that his decision has resulted in the creation of a powerful nation and has also paved the way for a black man to be the President. That thought puts a smile on Mr. Lincoln’s tired face. As the sun sets, the boys take leave of Mr. Lincoln and rush back to the door of the museum. Once they are united with their grandmother, they wonder if their whole trip was a reality or a game, until they see a picture clicked by Mathew Brady in which they can clearly see themselves lurking behind President Lincoln.

In this story of time travel and adventure, Patricia Polacco combines illustrations and text to introduce

to young readers a major historical event that changed the trajectory of this country.She makes use of vivid colors to bring to life not only a critical moment in the Civil war but also a war-weary President. Illustrations done in pencils and markers are historically accurate and help create a compelling story. Lines are used in the illustrations to create a sense of motion, energy, and establish the mood.The wordless double-page spread depicting corpse-filled battlefield scene is powerful, moving and a sobering reminder of the horrors of war. 

I think it is a great way to introduce an important event in history to children. They will identify with the young boys and will be fascinated by the time travel aspect of the story.But above all, I think they will enjoy reading about the past, which they might not have if it was presented to them in their textbooks. This book will also hopefully encourage curious minds to sift through the pages of history and learn about this past event that helped shape their present.

Realistic and Contemporary Realistic Fiction

                                             

          

                                                         THE ROAD TO PARIS

                                                             Author: Nikki Grimes

“What’s the matter with Malcolm and me? Did we do something wrong? Is that why no one wants us?” (Pg. 16)

These poignant questions asked by Paris gives voice to similar questions that many children must have asked who have been abandonment or put in the foster care system by the adults in their lives. Paris and her brother Malcolm are placed in foster care because their alcoholic mother refuses to take

care of them. Life is miserable at the Boone house, their foster care home, especially for Paris. She is locked in the closet, punished and beaten for things that she did not do. It becomes so unbearable that Malcolm and Paris decide to run away and go their grandmother’s place. The grandmother wants no part in raising her grandchildren and calls Child Services. This time, however, the siblings are separated and placed in different homes. Paris is placed with the Lincoln family. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln have two boys of their own, and they are foster parents to a teenage girl. Paris enters their home with a great deal of anxiety, preparing herself for the worst. But within a few weeks, she starts to realize that the Lincoln’s are not like her mom or the Boones. She begins to blossom in the Lincoln household. She forges new bonds both at home and at school, and for the first time, she feels she has reached a place which she can call home, where she can set her roots. As it happens in books and in life, when everything is going fine something does happen that changes the equation, and as readers, we are waiting for the other shoe to drop. That is precisely what happens. Her mother is married, and she wants Paris and Malcolm to live with her. The decision is tough for Paris; on the one hand is the love and security that the Lincoln family provides and on the other hand is her love for her brother and her constant wish to be with him. She finally decides to give her mom a second chance.

This book by Nikki Grimes captures both the ugly and the humane side of the foster care system. As a parent, my heart cringed as I read about the atrocities that Paris had to go through at Boones’ house. I shared Paris’ anger at her grandmother for separating her from her brother. I wanted to comfort her as she begins her journey to her new foster home without the support of her brother. This book does manage to capture the fear, the uncertainty that children experience who have been abandoned by their parents. This book also showcases how children put in these difficult circumstances stop being kids and are required to act and make decisions like adults. Characters portrayed in this book are relatable, and the themes of family, relationships, and acceptance are explored through them. I was personally impressed with Malcolm. The way he protects his sister and always putting his sisters’ well-being above his surely won my heart. I would have loved to know more about his experiences and the journey that he had taken. However, Paris as the protagonist is captivating and inspiring. I was impressed by the way she analyzed her thoughts to come to her decision of going back to her mother. Her growing determination and self-confidence at the end of the book lead me to believe that she is ready to face anything that life throws at her.

                                              

                                               

                                                               Thunder Boy Jr.

                                                            Author: Sherman Alexie

                                                            Illustrator: Yuyi Morales

In this book we are introduced to a young Native American boy named Thunder Boy Smith Jr.; and yes! That is his name. A name that his father gave him and a name that he absolutely hates. He would have loved to have a name like Sam, which is normal and boring just like the names of his mother and sister. But unfortunately for him, he is named after his father,  who is called Thunder Boy Smith Sr. People's nickname for his father is “Big Thunder” (which sounds majestic), and they nicknamed the boy “small thunder,” which according to him makes him sound “like a burp or a fart.” What he really wants is a name that he can identify with, that celebrates his achievement. He comes up with names like ‘Mud in Ears,’ ‘Touch the Clouds,’ ‘Full of Wonder’, based on his likes and capabilities. He vents out his frustrations privately but never in the presence of his dad. He does not want to hurt his feelings. When he has all but given up on the hope of getting a new name, his father surprises him by suggesting that the time has come for him to have a name of his own. The boy is named “Lightning,” a name that the boy approves of. The book ends with the boy thinking that with ‘Thunder’ and ‘Lightening’ as their names, the father-son duo will create fantastic weather and their love for each other will be as bright and loud as their names.

 The name of a person is his identity, which makes him identifiable and recognizable in a sea of people. So it is understandable that the boy balks at the idea of sharing the same name with his father. Sherman Alexie, the author of this book, was also named after his father and he resented it just like the boy in the book. The conflict between the boy's love for his dad and his desire to have an identity of his own is beautifully captured in the book. I think this internal struggle will resonate with many young readers who may not be required adopt their parent's name like the boy, but may be expected to do things in life that are in complete contrast to their wishes. This book in simple words encourages everyone to find their own unique identity. The simple language and the subtle humor in the book will undoubtedly attract young readers to this book.

The illustrations of Yuyi Morales are captivating. Through her illustrations she not only brings to life the character of the boy but also the members of his family. Morales is known for her bold-colored illustrations. This book does have a pop of bright colors in some of the pages and the

lightening bolt at the end of the book is very dramatic. The illustrations are however a bit of  a departure from her usual style. The illustrations, in her own words, are made from the remains of an old run-down house. A digital palette was created using pieces of wood and clay that were collected from this house. She then used the colors and texture of the materials that she had collected to digitally paint and bring to life the world of Thunder Boy. Sherman Alexie’s text and Yuyi Morales’s beautiful illustrations are combined together to create a charming picturebook that celebrates the special relationship between the father and the son. 

Folklore

      Folklore have been passed down from one generation to another, and have been enjoyed by both young and adult readers alike. Some of the credit for the relevance and popularity of folklore, in my opinion, should be given to numerous authors and illustrators who have added their ideas and vision to make these stories appealing to present-day readers. Below are two books, which are based on classical tales but are presented in a new and engaging way to allure a new generation of readers.

   

In the hands of the father-daughter duo of Rebecca and Ed Emberley, the story of Chicken Little gets a new lease of life. We all know the story of the not-so-bright chicken who when hit with an acorn believes that the sky is falling. This incident makes him embark on a journey in which he convinces his other feathery friends, Lucky Ducky, Henny Penny, Loosey Goosy and Turkey Lurkey, about the calamity that is about to befall upon them. Their mad panic race leads them straight into the mouth of an opportunistic Foxy Loxy. The story ends with the fox sneezing out the birds when the feathers of the birds tickle his throat. Children while enjoying the wild goose chase of the birds, also learn that it is not wise to tell people things without first verifying its authenticity.

Author Rebecca Emberley and illustrator Ed Emberley use minimalistic words and colorful images to

retell this classic folktale. The silly sound effects and amusing collage-like illustrations are sure to engage young readers. The cut-paper, bright colored, wide-eyed animals against solid background are eye-catching. The funny names of the animals and the noises that the birds make, when they collide, are sure to leave the children in splits. I can see young children thoroughly enjoying this book and laughing at the madcap escapade of Chicken Little and his friends.

   

  Town Mouse, Country Mouse by author and illustrator Jan Brett is a newer version of the classic tale from Aesop’s Fable. In this portrayal, we are introduced to two mice couple who want to experience something different than what they are used to. The couple living in the town wants to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, and the couple from the countryside wants to experience the luxurious life of the city, so they swap homes. However, very quickly both the couples realize that they are inept to survive the new environment that they have chosen for themselves. The unexpected challenges that they face contribute to some humor in the book. When the wife of the city mouse feels a raindrop on her head, she asks, “Is the bathtub leaking?” Her husband, on the other hand, puts on a “colorful and eye-catching” new jacket, not realizing that it will indeed catch the eye of a large owl whose clutches he narrowly escapes. In their new homes, both the couples long for their old and familiar surroundings. In the final pages of the book, we see the country mice couple being chased by the cat and the town mice couple chased by the owl, and both of the couples running for safety and reaching their respective homes. The book ends with the mice couple saying that “There’s no place like home;” and that is also the moral of the story.

The description of this book will be incomplete without talking about the visual treat it provides

through its illustrations. The double-page watercolor paintings, alternating between urban and rural settings are full of exquisite details. The realistic looking animals, intricate patterns on the clothes and china add to the beauty of this truly spectacular book. The border, an important aspect of Jan Brett’s illustration, is used not only enrich the story but also to give the readers a hint about what is about to happen in the next pages. The border around the pictures change from pine needles with fungus and pine cones to yarns with button corners, pencils, postage stamp, and feathers; all adding to the uniqueness of this book.

      Chicken Little, a Talking Animal Folktale, and Town Mouse, Country Mouse, a Fable, have more similarities than differences. In both the books the characters, who are animals, can talk, and are one dimensional and change very little during the course of the book. Chicken Little and his furry friends are silly, flat and they all act in predictable ways. Similarly, the mice couples are given human characteristics, but they do not grow as the story develops. In both the books, the plot line is simple and straightforward. Problems are introduced at the very onset of the stories and by the end of the book, they are satisfactorily resolved without much conflict.The difference lies in the fact that in the book Chicken Little the moral of the story is implied, whereas, in the Town Mouse, Country Mouse the moral of the story is clearly stated. The setting of the story in Chicken Little is vague, and as readers, we are not privy to that information other than the ideas that we get by looking at the illustrations. However, in Town Mouse, Country Mouse, we are more aware of the setting through text and illustrations.

Picture Storybooks

Picture storybooks seamlessly integrate text and illustrations to provide a complete reading experience to its readers. I have mentioned a few books that make use of art and words to tell a captivating story.
 

 In the picture storybook The Boy and the Whale, the author and illustrator Mordicai Gerstein gives us the story of Abelardo, a young boy with a big heart. At the beginning of the book, Abelardo and his father are distressed to see a whale entangled in their only fishing net. While the father is more concerned about the net, the boy is filled with empathy for the whale. He knows from personal experience how frightening it can be to be trapped underwater. His father discourages him from attempting to free the whale, but the boy can't stop thinking about the trapped animal and decides to cut the nets and save the whale on his own.

    With sheer determination and perseverance, he is able to set the giant whale free. When the whale bursts out of the water to express its happiness, I can visualize many children applauding to that. The story ends with the father expressing his pride at his son's heroic act, and we as readers are in awe of his bravery. I think that children will be fascinated and intrigued by this book and will be cheering for Abelardo’s success. They will also be inspired by the heroism and courage displayed by the boy.

    This picture storybook seamlessly integrates the illustrations and text to bring forth the story of a courageous young boy. The boy follows his heart and does what he thinks is the right thing to do, and that is the underlying message of the book. Many of the narrative elements that are essential for a picture storybook are present here. The setting of the story is implied through the text and is portrayed beautifully through the illustrations. Text and illustrations are used to depict the inner strength and compassion of the boy who put his life in jeopardy to save the whale. The beautiful watercolor illustrations reflect the boy’s emotions, his determination and finally his joy when he is able to free the whale. The conflict in the boy's mind, whether to listen to his father or listen to the voice in his heart, is clearly documented and supported by illustrations. The color blue is predominantly used to give the readers the feel of the ocean and a vertical spread is used to emphasize the whale’s size and to show the danger the boy's faces. The illustrations in each page corroborates the text and carry the story forward. This book, in my opinion, is both visually and morally appealing.

     The picture storybook Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari is the perfect book for all dog lovers. This is an incredibly sweet story about the bond of love and affection that exists between a young girl named Zara and her dog Moose. For Moose, Zara is her favorite person, and she wants to spend all her time with Zara. Moose loves the sound of the word “Hello,” but hates it when Zara says “Goodbye.” Throughout the book we see Moose equating all the things that she hates with the word goodbye. When Zara has to go to school, Moose finds different ways to be at her side. The school, unfortunately, does not allow dogs, so every time Moose finds a way in, she is forced out. Finally with “one great idea and a little bit of training,” they are able to be together. Moose is allowed into the school as a therapy dog for Zara, who is in a wheelchair. I personally feel that children will fall in love with this book, and they will want a dog just like Moose.

          The fusion of simple text and detailed illustrations in this picture storybook brings to life the beautiful friendship that exists between Zara and Moose. The text gives voice to the inner thoughts of Moose perfectly, because I think if dogs could talk, they would talk just like Moose.  Illustrator Patrice Barton’s attention to details is exquisite. Her digitally painted illustrations complement the text and enhance the characters that they portray. The joy on Moose’ face when she says “Hello” and the dejection when she has to say “goodbye,” are beautifully captured. There is a particular illustration in which Moose is behind a door, howling and the text reads, “Goodbye was being alone.” It is one of my favorite illustrations as it captures the loneliness Moose feels when Zara is not around. The combination of words and illustrations also contribute to lightheartedness in the book. The illustrations provide a visual representation to the emotions conveyed in the text. After reading this book, children will learn that every problem has a solution and if you really desire something, then there is no way anyone can stop you from achieving it. As they say, “Where there is a will there is a way.”

   The Chinese Emperor’s New Clothes by Ying Chang Compestine offers a new twist to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. In the hands of Compestine, the same tale gets transported to China, which according to her is where this story originated, and a smart young emperor becomes the central figure. Ming Da became emperor at the young age of nine, and his ministers, believing him to be lacking in experience, took silk, rice, gold, and gems from him. The emperor had thought of using his treasures to help the poor. The young emperor with the help of two faithful tailors decides to trick his ministers in returning everything that they had taken away. What ensues is a humorous way in which the crafty and smart boy emperor outwits his greedy minsters and makes them replace all the riches that they had stolen from him.

The text by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrations by David Roberts bring this picture storybook to life. It has the narrative elements required of the picture storybook. The text and the illustrations place the story in China. The intended audience of this book will undoubtedly identify themselves with the young emperor. From the very beginning we are invested in the emperor, and by the end of the book, we are awestruck by the ingenious mind of the boy and are rooting for his success. The sequence of events is presented in a straightforward manner making it easier for children to follow. The text and the illustration are both used to show how the young emperor solves his dilemma of getting back his treasures without causing any significant trouble. The underlying theme in this book is that we should never underestimate anyone, and should give respect to everyone regardless of their age. The words used in this book helps create a mood of lightheartedness which I am sure the children will enjoy. The illustrations done in watercolors, pen, and ink are playful, exquisite, and they bring the Chinese culture to life. The picture of the New Year's Day parade beautifully captures the Chinese festivities. The opening and closing endpapers done in shades of red showing patterned in dragon scales is also a nod to the Chinese culture. I am sure children will love the young emperor and will be inspired by his quick and sharp wit.

Home is where your Heart is.......

In the 1994 Caldecott Medal-winning book Grandfather’s Journey, author Allen Say talks about the “cross-cultural experience” of his family. This book beautifully captures the love and yearning that immigrants have for two countries that they call home. Allen Say’s Japanese grandfather visited America as a young man and fell in love with this country.  He explores this foreign land, meets with diverse people, and loses his heart to the “New World.” After his travels, he goes back to his village in Japan and gets married, but his heart yearns for America. So he decides to come back. Years pass by, and experiencing his daughter’s childhood reminds him of his childhood in Japan. He decides to return to Japan, and he remains there through very tough times. He always wanted to come back and visit America, but his wish remained unfulfilled. Decades later, like his grandfather, the author embarks on a journey to the American shores and decides to call it home. Like his grandfather, there are moments when he yearns for the country of his childhood, and so he visits Japan to “still the longing” in his heart.

  The author states that “when I am in one country, I am homesick for the other,” and I completely identify with the sentiment behind those lines. As an immigrant myself, I love and appreciate the country that I live in right now, but my heart also yearns for the country of my childhood. Just like the author, when the longing becomes too strong to ignore, I go back home and soothe my soul with the familiar sights and sounds of my childhood. I think that through this book the author also wants to convey the message that it is okay to love two countries equally without carrying the guilt of being disloyal. I think that the emotions expressed in the book are universal and the theme is thought-provoking. Through simple narrative sentences, the author is able to weave a beautiful tale about the immigrant experience and the ways that an immigrant tries to build a bridge between the two countries that he calls home.

Illustrations are an integral part of the fabric of this book. They give a visual representation of the sentences written on each page.The author himself does the illustrations in this book. The text in the book accompanies exquisitely composed watercolor paintings to convey Say's family history. The muted color tones used in the illustrations give the impression of a much-cherished and carefully preserved family album. All the illustrations have a snapshot kind of quality, there is no movement in the paintings, and they are like family portraits that we all have in our homes. The author makes use of representational art to depict realistic portrayal of characters and events. The subdued colors used in the portraits offer them with a sense of serenity. Our eyes are drawn towards the illustrations before the text, and that I think is intentional. The pictures extend the meaning of the subsequent text and add more understanding and depth to it. He also uses traditional clothing in the paintings to differentiate between the two countries and their culture.The illustrations are artistically excellent and compliment the text of the book.

Come Meet Louise.....

“There was something about the thought of God being with me that made me feel more alone than ever. It was like being with Caroline.” (Paterson, 1980)

The novel, Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson, is set in the early 1940s on a fictional island of Rass in the Chesapeake Bay. The novel is narrated by Louise, and we as readers are privy to her innermost thoughts and struggles. Louise feels that she always falls short in comparison to her twin sister. Caroline’s pretty face combined with her musical talent makes her the darling of the town. While she basks in the attention showered on her, Louise is sidelined. As time goes by, Louise becomes embittered as she is repeatedly ignored, in favor of Caroline. She resents anyone, including her parents, who consciously or unconsciously treat them unequally. Turning her thoughts inward, Louise focuses on working hard and earning good pocket money. When her best friend Call quits his job to enlist in the armed forces, Louise takes on his work with her father. She loves the work, but her restlessness continues. Throughout the book we see good fortune visiting Caroline, while Louise is left behind, in danger of becoming a bitter, twisted adult. It requires a little prodding from Captain (an old gentleman) to re-evaluate her life choices. She realizes that to lead a life outside the shadow of her sister, it is essential that she figure out who she is and what she wants out of her life. At the end of the book, we see her making choices that help her discover her true essence.

     The book talks about sibling rivalry, insecurities, frustration, anger, love, and disappointments; sentiments and feeling we all are familiar with. We all have been in Louise’s shoes. We have gone through phases where we have thought, we have been treated unfairly by our parents or by the people around us, or the times when we are unable to communicate our feelings or our hurt. I can see many young children identifying with her character. However, as a parent, I can see how some of her insecurities were only perceived in her mind. There were moments in the novel where my heart went out to Louise, and I was angry on her behalf, but there were times when I felt her anger to be unjustified. I loved reading this book, but I can see many who will be not impressed by it. The story is slow-paced, and the protagonist does come out as a whiney person at times. I also feel that a young reader may not be able to comprehend the core message of this book thoroughly. Even with all these minor hiccups, it is a great read. To characterize this book just as a book about sibling rivalry would be doing it a huge injustice. True, the book is about the complicated dynamics between siblings, but it is also a book about self-discovery, and about the courage it takes to carve out a niche for oneself.

“You can make your own chances. But first you have to know what you’re after, my dear.” (Paterson, 1980)