Today was a busy day for new releases of the children variety. Released on this day of review writing, In a Jar will be a book that will be getting a lot of attention. Deborah Marcero made a book about friendship that has a slightly different presentation.
Llewellyn is a rabbit who collects things in jars. Somethings are obvious, but others might surprise you. One day he meets another little rabbit, Evelyn, and the two start a friendship that includes collecting rainbows, wind and more. But one day, Evelyn tells Llewellyn she and her family are moving. Of course, these friends find the perfect way to continue their friendship and the collecting of memories.
The illustrations are a fun combination of abstract and realistic. They are bold, bright and detailed filled. Yet, at the same time, they are simple. They reflect the feeling and theme of the story. They also need to be read to compliment the text half of the story. While nothing is surprising, this comfortable story does not need to be a grand adventure as the point is the comfort of friendship and collecting those memories.
The art will be getting attention of awards and will be on Best of Illustration lists. The story itself is sweet, almost old world feeling. Yet, it has a completely modern take as well. In a Jar will be a story that you will enjoy reading to your child (ages 3 to 7) and the slightly older child (7 and 8) could read on their own. While it is a picture book, the story is attention grabbing for that older reader as well.