Words by Jordan Scott; Pictures by Sydney Smith
I Talk Like A River Words by Jordan Scott; Pictures by Sydney Smith I became a follower of Sydney Smith when I went into a children’s book store in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The store, rightly so, was proud of their hometown author-illustrator. Smith has a way with his art. The varied illustrations in this picture book complement the words both peacefully and powerfully. It is the story of a boy who stutters. He awakens to, “ word-sounds stuck,” in his mouth. Throughout his day he is silent. He hides. He is embarrassed. One has only to look at this double page spread and read Jordan Scott’s poetic words as they exquisitely describe the boy’s inner feelings and look at Smith’s watercolors that give images to his painful experience to appreciate the excellence of this book. His father understands the boy’s sadness and takes him to a river where he compares the boy’s speech to that of a river as it goes on its way, “bubbling, whirling, churning and crashing.” When a double page close up of the boy’s face opens up into an oversized illustration of the boy entering the river to swim, the reader breathes easier. This is a touching story based on the author’s memories of stuttering as a child. When read to elementary aged children, it will evoke an empathetic response for certain.
1 Comment
Shoshana Rosen
12/8/2020 06:04:19 pm
I am eager to read this book and see the illustrations! What an important subject matter to be featured in an illustrated children's book. It is something that I feel as a parent and educator can be tough to explain to children. Thanks for writing about this. I am wondering if you can include a link on Bookshop.com to the books? Are you allowed to do this so your following can purchase the books directly?
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Author For 29 years I had the best job as School Librarian in the Aaron Kushner Library for grades Pre K-3 at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. Although I am retired, I remain Lori the Librarian. Archives
January 2022
Categories
All
|