November is Picture Book Month! Review: The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Image: Candlewick Press

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer. Illustrated by Cindy Derby. unpgd. Candlewick Press, October, 2020. 9780763698324. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Don't be too quick to flip past the title page in this exquisite picture book. The story starts there, followed by two wordless, double-page spreads. The first depicts a gorilla following a group of people who are following a boy and his father. The second depicts a scene inside a living room where the father and son sit alone among a crowd of people dressed in black while the gorilla sits quietly in the middle of the room. 

Eventually, the boy wanders out to his mother's garden and the gorilla follows. The story is told in dialogue, with the gorilla's words italicized. He tells the boy, "Your mothers garden is beautiful. May I help?" While the two quietly work the garden, the boy opens up because the gorilla gave him room. The boy is filled with questions he cannot ask his father; such as how someone knows a person has died or whether we all die. The gorilla answers each question simply and honestly. The gorilla reminds the boy that his mom is always with him. When the boy misses his mom reading to him, the gorilla suggests that his dad might enjoy the story. He allows the boy to be alone and, most importantly, listens. Eventually, the boy connects with his father. Once that happens, the gorilla's job is done and the story ends with a final wordless spread.

I don't know why I love books about grief. I can't stop reading this one. It has to be my favorite ever. The text is reassuringly simple and the illustrations are utterly mesmerizing. The watercolors are somber and blurry, as if viewing through tears (and I was viewing through tears at times). The palette is filled with grey and purple but little pops of color draw the eye. 

The best way to convey difficult concepts to young children is simply and honestly and as concretely as possible. The Boy and the Gorilla is a godsend for any adult who needs to comfort a child, or, even themselves. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Middle Grade Monday: Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. 256 p. Feiwel & Friends, September, 2015. 9781250043238. (Own.)

The Middle Grade Monday feature is a recommendation from a sixth grade student. He chose Crenshaw as one of his favorite books to use for his booktalk podcast.

Crenshaw is the name of a giant cat who used to be Jackson's imaginary friend. But Jackson is eleven now; surely too old for an imaginary friend! The last time Crenshaw appeared was three years ago when Jackson and his family were living in their van. Things got better but now, Jackson is seeing piles of unpaid bills, empty cabinets, and whisper-arguing parents. He wishes they would be honest with him.

Most of my students want for nothing. This superb story of an intact family struggling with poverty is an eye-opener. Readers will relate to Jackson, admire his resilience, perhaps develop some empathy and, maybe even wish for a Crenshaw of their own.