Hey kids, what time is it? It’s picture book roundup time again as I have been terribly busy reading them. They range from family themes, personality themes and holiday themes. Each one has a sentimental feeling that allows a softer side to reading.
In Finding Papa we learn about a mother and child as they escape Vietnam to travel to America to find the father who left earlier to set up a home for them. Based on not only the people who journeyed from Vietnam to other nations after the Vietnam war’s adventures and journeys, but it is based on the author’s own journey. Angela Pham Krans allows the experiences of one child to come to life in soothing, but solid text. And Thi Bui’s illustrations are busy, but not crowded, yet much is happening on the page. Not only do you see the land, but the people and the expressions of hope, fear, and love. The author and illustrators notes are a delightful addition to this adorable and yet, serious, story.
Religious stories can go two ways. The first, straight forward, and the second, they can have a more poetic take. With Moon’s Ramadan we have a more poetic look at the holiday. The Moon tells the story of the people she sees below her throughout the month of Ramadan. The text and illustrations of Natasha Khan Kazi mimic the moon’s actions as we follow the moon throughout the month. We end the story at the start of Eid. Afterwards tie in the simple (not simplistic), earthy and cool tones of the art and the text. We have a more spiritual take on the celebrations in an expressive and detailed manner.
And perhaps my favorite of the three was Wallflowers by Mackenzie Joy. Because I like their name and the fact that they are writing about celebrating the introvert. You might be a “wallflower” (and Joy’s artwork shows them blending into the backdrop with vibrant colors and minimalistic, but thoughtful and important, details), but that is okay. Because that is you. Of course, you have things to say, and want to be seen, but you do not want to shout or be center stage. And that is okay. And you do not need to change, but maybe others could learn something from you. This Celebration of the Shy Ones is a great way of showing how everyone needs to and grows differently.