The questions that arise in childhood are often just as poignant in our adult years. Sometimes, the answers are clear; sometimes they make sense to usThe questions that arise in childhood are often just as poignant in our adult years. Sometimes, the answers are clear; sometimes they make sense to us & we can understand our feelings. In other cases, we find ourselves worried; set against ourselves & the way our minds seem to reel against common sense. Why are we afraid of the dark? Are there monsters under the bed? What purpose does fear serve? Is it okay to be afraid?
The illustrations in this book welcome the reader into the world from a different point of view. The colour palette of deep greens & blues paints the landscape into a dream sequence brought to life. Ana Sender has an unparalleled ability to open the words of the author up into art. Her talent brings these discussions to light in ways that remind us that, no matter our age, the lessons shared within this book are of value. It is okay to be a learner at every age & it is okay to be afraid.
What I appreciate so much about Pintadera’s work is his dedication to his medium. When I first read one of his books I was blown away by how easily he was able to host answers to complicated questions & I found myself appreciative of the opportunity to have read his book. This second time around is no different. Fear is just as important an emotion as any other & yet, we are sometimes meant to feel as though it is a burden; something we should not admit to experiencing.
This book encourages readers to understand why we are afraid. Sometimes, we might think that the goons of our nightmares wander the halls at night when in reality, it’s just the house easing from all the movements it fostered throughout the day. Other times, our fears keep us safe. In either case, we do not need to feel embarrassed or shy; our feelings are powerful conductors that should be appreciated.
Young readers will find an eternal gift in Pintadera’s work. There are answers for every reader in this book & it is certainly an adventure worth taking, on a dark & stormy night, just as the uncertain little main character did when he thought to ask about fear.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, & Fran Pintadera for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
Mario and his mother are sitting on a park bench spending time, quietly, together. After some moments of silence, Mario asks his mother why we cry. ThMario and his mother are sitting on a park bench spending time, quietly, together. After some moments of silence, Mario asks his mother why we cry. The question is interesting in that it seems there is no right answer; no answer to quell the tears, no response to make the invisible seen. Yet, Mario’s mother seems to know just what to say.
This was a beautiful book. The prose of this story is incredible & I am truly grateful to have read it. Though this is a story for young readers I think it poses vital information for every human being. There is no way for me to express how useful this book would have been for me as a child without revealing things I wish to leave buried. Suffice it to say that I recognize the weight that this story carries in all its glory & genteel pages; a message of the utmost value.
Ana Sender’s illustrations blew me away. I could not have envisioned a better backdrop to the words the author shared than those brought to life by Sender. At once the imagery is untamed & monstrous but, it remains honest & revelatory; it shed light in the forest of our hearts & brings forth the unnamed in details attainable to all.
There is no limit to the positive things I have to say about this book. I am so very grateful to know that it exists & to have gotten the opportunity to read it. Stories like these are vital, they are the crux at which we find ourselves within literature when we don’t know where to look or how to ask to be found; a familiar place of adventure, fantasy & lore, there we are, our complicated feelings & all.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Kids Can Press, & Fran Pintadera for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
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