I will start my review of An Unexpected Thing with I really like the illustrations. Usually, that abstractness does not work for me, or at least, it can feel off. However, this time it was fun, clever, and colorful. A good time was had by all. Or at least me, as our main character is not having a good time in Ashling Lindsay’s book.
The book is about facing your fears, with the help of a friend. What seems scary and threatening to one, is a birthday wish to someone else. And the two friends explore together. I like the idea of the story, but the colors are what kept me going as I assumed I knew the ending. And it is fairly predictable with the ending (we learn there are good, wonderful, new and familiar things that are exciting and a little frightening, too).
The blue and pinks really pop. The yellows are happy. Even the dark colors are, well, nice is too simple of a word and “they work” is too flat. Things are simple, yet hold a lot. There is space for interpretation, but you know what the author is trying to say with them. They complement the text and move it forward as well with its own piece of the puzzle. The idea of perspective is presented well, without being overly pushy, yet there is no question with what is being said. We know the story theme, but the way we are given it this time is new and fresh.
I read via an online reader copy, but it is currently available.