Author: Stein Erik Lunde
Illustrator: Øyvind Torseter
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, 2013
Age Level: 4 and up
Themes: fathers and sons, death
Opening: My dad isn’t listening to the radio. He’s sitting in the living room, where the only sound is the crackling of the fire. When I was there with him, I saw the tongues of the fire lick his face. I went over and put my hand on his arm, and he patted my hand. Then I went into my room and got into bed.
Summary: Unable to sleep, a young boy climbs into his father’s arms and asks about birds, foxes, and whether his mother will ever awaken, then under a starry sky, the father provides clear answers and assurances.
Why I Like This Book: I don’t think I need to explain why I think the artwork is breathtaking, but so is the story it tells, and the concept – too rarely found in American books. Looking for images I found a touching review which ‘hit the spot’ perfectly – HERE, at A Teacher’s Perspective. Life’s stories don’t usually end on a high note – it’s what we make of them that matters. I have to return this book to the library. I’ve had it out for the maximum of weeks allowed. But you can bet I ordered it. It won’t take much convincing to have my local indie bookseller stock this one.
Activities: I feel the illustrations will motivate any child to draw and cut his or her own pictures, to sculpt the paper and create a three dimensional scene, or a diarama in a capsized shoebox – like the ones HERE at Art Lessons for Kids. And if a child wants to talk about death, what better opportunity than while creating and expressing? My own daughter’s first experience came with the coverage of Princess Diana’s death. We drew a lot of princesses after that. Once she drew a rectangle around hers, and another preschool mom asked her what the box is for . Olivia informed her, “She’s dead.”
Go to Susanna Hill’s blog for more Perfect Picture Book selections and activities.
Oh, yes, we so need fabulous, sensitive, real picture books like this. The red fox illustration is vivid! Love Olivia’s too!
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It does look remarkable and ut’s not easy to find ones that deal with death. Diana’s passing was the saddest day ever.
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I remember such vivid details. Were you in England at the time?
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Yes, my mum woke us up and asked us to go into the living room. I knew something was up. The secret whispers of it not being an accident are still swirling even now.
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Wow.
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Wow — I really love this book. It is so sensitive and quiet. Great discussion book for kids. Like your activities.
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I wonder too, if the winter setting was added to further quiet the mind and allow you to focus on the feelings.
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I do love this book. Quintessential Scandinavian existential angst. (That’s a mouthful). From the cover, one might expect a different storyline, eh? But for thinking parents this is an unusual and eye-opening book.
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I also find it odd that the cover does not reveal the real beauty of the artwork inside.
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Thanks, Julie. The illustrations are truly stunning. European books definitely contain a special something alien to American PBs. This was an inspired choice. I am sure many parents will find it useful.
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Thanks for stopping in again, Joanne.
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I do hope so.
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ooh, the artwork looks so cool!
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It IS!
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Why is it that ‘death’ which is so much a part of life is not discussed or written of? This looks like a poignant read – and I want to find it esp. for the art. Thanks, Julie
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Yeah, I’d like to know why we have such a different relationship to something so universal.
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Julie, thank you so much for introducing me to this stunning book. It is as you say, breathtaking – both art and text. The opening lines and the summary brought me to tears. I will get it at once!
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I just picked up my copy – glad you liked it that much too!
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Your website does not like me, Julie! It won’t let me load from Susanna’s linky…and then it doesn’t want me to comment. 😦
I love this book…yes, the illustration you showed won me over…the bright dash of red is compelling. I will have to try to get this…Yikes…my floors will cave in with the weight of the books I have. 🙂 I agree…I think this is a wonderful book for encouraging kids to draw…perfect summer reading. 🙂
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Sorry about the trouble. Hope you like it.
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I love the illustrations. The message is superb.
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What a unique and unusual book! Those pictures are incredible. Are they pop up pictures or just flat and look 3D? There’s a lot of death talk around here today. We had a good, good dog buddy die this morning. It’s a sad thing. It’s good to talk about it though. I’ll have to check this book out. Thanks.
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That’s terrible. So sorry about your dog. My condolences. The book is not a pop-up, but photographed.
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Thanks for the condolences. That’s a nice word, I like it. It was not our dog — it didn’t live with us. But it was a good buddy that I spent a lot of time with. We’ll miss him. I’ve put this book on my wish list!
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I have some buddy dogs too (we don’t own, but we ‘sit’), so I can imagine the hurt regardless. Hug!
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