Today's read takes a more sober turn and looks at dealing with death in the family. I'm always super critical of this type of read...which will, no doubt, pop up in my review if I like this one. But I still want to give these types of books a chance because some are well done...and there are readers out there who benefit from them.
So, let's take a peek and see if this one passes my strict eyes or not.
LITTLE BEAR AND THE BIG HOLE
by Jennifer Seal
Illustrated by Mirjam Siim
Starfish Bay Children's Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
When Little Bear’s father dies, a Big Hole appears and won’t go away. Most other animals ignore the hole, but one day Squirrel comes and sits with Little Bear. With Squirrel next to him, it is easier somehow, and they talk about the hole together. And day by day, the hole grows smaller. Beautiful watercolor artwork underlines this transformative story of grief and healing.
MY TIDBITS
These pages address the theme of losing a loved close family member. In this case, a father. It begins after the loss as the little bear needs to go back to his daily life but feels the gravity of the loss still. He watches others around him, who seem to be completely unaware of the big hold...until someone notices it because they've experienced something similar. Together, with a new friend, Little Bear might be able to find a way to change the gaping hole into something else.
This is a very metaphorical read, which relates the feeling of loss and emptiness to a big hole. The huge hole is in the middle of each illustration like a black pond, and while the bear constantly has it in front of him, others can walk right over it. Parents and caretakers, of course, should read this themselves first to determine whether or not it is fitting for the individual child. This hole is later filled with Bear's illustrations, written memories and more and slowly fills...or rather, alters into a symbol of hope and inspires. Again, this idea will work for some, while others might find it more harmful. Each child and situation is different, and reads such as this need to be used with that in mind.
The writing flows well and is just enough to bring across each moment without weighing down. The illustrations include playful textures incorporated into the surrounding trees and nature. It keeps a light atmosphere without dipping into humor or playing down the sincerity of the situation.
All in all, this is very well done and written with care. The forming friendship adds a nice touch as the bear heals. Plus, the ending takes on a very hopeful note, which inspires in so many ways.
And here she is...
Jennifer Seal studied musical theater and opera and sang stories for a living. It took a while for her to realize that what she really wanted to do was write them. She lives in Dallas, Texas where she can be found surrounded by wonderfully ordinary and wildly extraordinary characters, real and imagined. Some of them end up in her books if she can catch them.
https://jennseal.com
No comments:
Post a Comment