I'm a sucker for illustrations.
The cover and the end papers for THE SONG FOR EVERYONE had me at the opening note, so to speak. Author/illustrator Lucy Morris has created a book that sings to me.
Waves of swirling, floating, interconnected, airy, floral details move across the pages like the sweep and lift of a conductor's baton. Rather than musical notes or more literal images, these delicately drawn and gently colored snippets combine to create the visual song that is, indeed, for everyone in a somber little village.
Without knowing its source, the music transforms the people of that town, one by one, story by story, Until the song suddenly stops. Sadness descends. But the people do not revert to their previous isolated lives. Instead, the awakening they experienced draws them together to restore the missing music.
There is so much to love in the literal story, in both text and image. There is even more to appreciate when this is viewed as an analogy about the impact of music on individuals and even more so, on community.
Picture books are, by definition, stories told through visual narratives, exclusively or in combination with text. That sounds easy-- to people who haven't tried it.
In fact, the text of a superb picture book is like the most literary poetry- not necessary rhymed or formally constrained, but text in which every single word is purposeful, effective, and sings..
Illustrations do NOT simply translate words into pictures. Instead, illustrations share the task of storytelling in every way, expanding and exploring and elevating quality text to even higher levels of excellence and meaning and emotion. THE SONG FOR EVERYONE does all that, and more.
As Covid 19 continues to isolate and inhibit our "before" lives, particularly during the approach of dark winter days and reshaped holidays, many are turning to music for comfort. That could include holiday or religious songs, learning new (or returning to prior) instruments, or even appreciating the sounds of migrating birds. Until gathering in groups to sing is again possible, as in places of prayer, neighborhood caroling, or concerts, letting music into your lives can be a balm to the spirit.
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