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Review by
Louella Moreland
We have come to expect good books from Eileen Spinelli, and with her
release of "When You Are Happy" we are not disappointed. Ms. Spinelli teams
up with illustrator Geraldo Valerio to give us an eye-pleasing,
heart-warming volume that sounds delightful to the ears of young people
while bringing the adult readers a sense of peace.
This book is more a journey than a story. It has no plot, only one
central character, no beginning, middle and end. Instead readers experience
with each turn of a page or two a snapshot of a child and the adults in her
life "living emotions." Some of the adults may be parents, grandparents,
aunts, uncles or neighbors. Their relationship to her is not important. What
they contribute to her emotional well-being is important. Each snapshot
begins with the phrase "when you are...," then illustrates and explains how
the adult may comfort, listen, help or celebrate.
The contribution of the illustrations is an integral part of the success
of the book. The characters seem to float across the page, unencumbered by
gravity, wispy and carefree. Perspective is somewhat childlike and lends
charm to the page. Large smiles accent faces young and old alike. Animals
and objects are drawn with human qualities, while space is used to show
thoughts or distance. A smiling sickle moon looks on throughout the book,
day or night, giving the reader a feeling of being watched over from above.
Finally, color abounds from edge to edge of the page. The cool blues of
night to the sunny, warm yellows of daytime leap before the reader's eyes,
inviting a close look at all the page has to offer.
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Although the illustrations are a delightful complement, Ms.
Spinelli's text does not disappoint the ear either. In sparse,
almost poetic style, she expresses the feelings of support that
young children most need in their life. Phrases are carefully woven
to elicit emotions common to all of us. They soar off the page on
our tongues and burrow into our memories until we need to pause a
while just to experience again a moment in time that is a pleasure
to contemplate.
Preschoolers will delight in the message of security this book
brings to them. They will pore over the illustrations and delight in
all the small details of the page. But maybe... just maybe... this isn't
a book for children, but for the adults in a child's life. Maybe it
is an affirmation that a child is ours to protect, guide, enjoy and
celebrate. Maybe it is a message that all adults in a child's life
provide important small pieces that eventually make a whole. Maybe
it is about appreciating the snapshots of emotions we often overlook
in our busy everyday lives.
"When You Are Happy" may speak differently to other readers than
it did to me. Check it out and let it tell its story to you. It is a
picture book meant to be shared over and over again with any child
you hold dear to your heart, no matter what age that child may be.
You will find this volume and others by Eileen Spinelli at the
Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St. Come in and see what our
shelves have that will speak to you.
[Louella Moreland, youth services librarian, Lincoln Public
Library District] |
