PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: The Last Stand by Antwan Eady & Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey
ABOUT THE BOOK
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope.
Every stand has a story.
This one is mine.
Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer's market. Of course, it's more than a farmer's market. Papa knows each customer's order, from Ms. Rosa's pumpkins to Mr. Johnny's peppers. And when Papa can't make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce.
Heartwarming illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals a family's pride in their work, and reminds us to harvest love and hope from those around us.
REVIEW
Set in a small rural community, a young boy helps his grandfather prepare for the local farmer's market. Theirs is the last stand still operating, but it wasn't always that way. As the young narrator explains how he and his grandfather harvest, load, and sell produce from the farm, the Pumphrey's gorgeous illustrations highlight the tremendous amount of work involved. The boy's love for his heritage and his grandfather shines through brilliantly as do the connections they have with their neighbors. And when Papa can't do it any more the boy takes it on by himself. He struggles to harvest and haul the produce using only his bicycle. Unsurprisingly, things don't go so well, despite his best efforts. But he keeps working at it and finds solutions to his difficulties. The grandfather's generosity in serving his neighbors over the years comes back to him as the boy, the grandparents, and their neighbors enjoy a hearty feast. As the author explains in his note at the end of the book, the story is a love letter to his hometown, to family farms, and to those who keep farmer's markets going around the world. He acknowledges the challenges and mistreatment many have received over the years. The book oozes nostalgia, but what a fabulous way to introduce children to farmer's markets that still exist around the world. The clever cover under the book jacket will delight readers young and old. A true beauty of a book that can open eyes and hearts alike. It wouldn't be surprising if this one won some awards.
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