PICTURE BOOK FICTION REVIEWS: Something Good by Marcy Campbell & Lunch Every Day by Kathryn Otoshi
REVIEW
This book places the title page and copyright page at the end of the book, something I've never seen done before. This allows the book to begin on the back of the flyleaf. Interestingly, the child telling the story is never identified among all the children in the book. The story has both a personal and community feel to it. The individual narrator tells of the 'bad-something' that an unknown person put on the girl's bathroom wall. Despite efforts by the principal to discover the source of the 'bad-something', the culprit is never identified. But the consequences of the act run deep. The children in the narrator's class feel worried, confused, sad, or angry. The mix of emotions leads to more unkindness. The principal calls the school together to address these feelings and to remind the students that they are special and kind, "even if we forgot sometimes". The teacher takes the students to the bathroom and has them paint over the 'bad-something'. Together as a class, the students work to 'overcome' the damage done by the 'bad-something'. By working together the students learn how to problem-solve and face difficult things. The power of community to create beauty from ashes is powerfully illustrated in this story. Luyken's stunning gouache, colored pencil, and ink illustrations combine colors and characters in sensitive, evocative ways that highlight the characters emotions at various places in the story. This is a powerful story that can help young readers/listeners appreciate the good that still exists in the world.
REVIEW
Jimmy refuses to stand in the free lunch line at school every day so he resorts to taking 'skinny kid's' lunch. Even after getting caught pushing the other boy, Jimmy refuses to change his ways. Clearly his life at home isn't a good one and it shows in the way he acts. When he is invited with all his classmates to 'skinny kid's' birthday party he doesn't plan to go. But he eventually does go to the party. What he doesn't expect is the reaction of 'skinny kid's' mother to his presence. She recognizes him as the boy stealing her son's lunch. Jimmy's afraid that she will yell at him, but she does something else entirely. That something else changes Jimmy's life forever. Using colors in a very striking way to represent the feelings of each of her characters, Otoshi shares this story of kindness. Jimmy's face isn't even seen until late in the story creating powerful imagery of feeling invisible and unhappy. Based on a true story, Lunch Every Day provides a glimpse into how the dimpliest of kindnesses can change lives. An emotionally powerful story perfect for sharing and discussing at any time. Highly, highly recommended.
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