PICTURE BOOK REVIEWS: I'll Go and Come Back & Somewhere
ABOUT THE BOOK
When Jyoti visits her grandmother halfway around the world, she is overwhelmed by the differences between India and home. At first she feels lonely and out of place, but soon, despite a language barrier, she and Sita Pati are able to understand each other. They form a bond—looking at books together, making designs with colored sand, shopping at the market, playing games, eating chapatis, and sipping warm milk with saffron to bring sweet dreams. When it’s time to part, Jyoti doesn’t want to leave, but then she remembers that in Tamil, people don’t say goodbye, they say “I’ll go and come back.” Sure enough, the two reunite the next summer when Pati visits Jyoti in America, and it’s Jyoti’s turn to make her grandmother feel welcome. Can they create some special memories that will last until the next time they see each other?
REVIEW
I'll Go and Come Back follows a young girl who visits her extended family in India. At first, everything is very strange to her and she struggles to enjoy her visit. Despite a language barrier, Jyoti's grandmother reaches out and gets her involved in a variety of activities that help them bond, Jyoti quickly comes to love her visit. As she reluctantly gets ready to leave, her grandmother reminds her that in India no one says 'goodbye' instead they say 'I'll go and come back', a reminder that they'll see each other again. When Sita Pati comes to visit Jyoti in America, Jyoti returns the favor and goes out of her way to make her feel welcome. This lovely book isn't just a fun look at cultural differences but a powerful reminder that love can cross boundaries of all kinds. I enjoyed learning more about India and seeing how Jyoti and her Sita Pati communicate despite the language barrier. Sara Palacio's beautiful illustrations complement this wonderful story just perfectly. I loved all the colorful details: the flowers, the clothing, the streets, the games played. All of these details highlight the differences between India and the United States and makes the bond the Jyoti and her grandmother develop all the sweeter. All in all, a wonderful story about cultural differences and the power of love to help us relate despite those differences. I truly enjoyed this one.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Somewhere is where I wanted to go. Somewhere new. Somewhere I had never, ever been before.
A young girl and her father walk through familiar streets on a brilliant, sun-drenched day. When they reach a park, the girl lets go of her father's hand. It is time for her to journey out on her own. As her father keeps watch, she finds an unfamiliar place--an extraordinary forest that blooms around her, lush and larger than life. She plays among gigantic leaves, discovers treasures, and thinks of how her father would love this place, too. She retraces her steps to a happy reunion with her father and a recounting of her exploration. Brought to life in soft, vibrant watercolors by renowned Cuban artist Armando Mariño, this lyrical story by Robie H. Harris captures the magic of a child finding her inner strength and curiosity--and discovering somewhere new all on her own.
REVIEW
The stunning watercolor and ink illustrations in Somewhere showcase the adventures of a little girl as she explores a forest of wonders. Leaving her father to watch over her, she collects treasures as she journeys along the path. As she gathers a shiny coin, a large leaf, and three colorful feathers, she enjoys the beauty to be found in the trees, butterflies, and birds around her. She's concerned that her father is lonely and thinks that he would enjoy the things she's found, so she follows her tracks back to him. After sharing her treasures with her father, they go together to somewhere they've never been before. The luscious, rich illustrations share with readers the stunning beauty of Cuba, as well as the tender relationship between a father and daughter. Not only did I love the amazing illustrations, but the sweet way the father supports his daughter's desire for adventure and independence. The text and illustrations blend together in delightful ways as the art adds so many wonderful details to the straight-forward text. A wonderful example of what a picture book should be.
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