The Old Woman

September 1, 2020
An old woman transits through an autumn day, evening, and overnight to dawn, unhurriedly observing nature's cues. She and her dog live in a simply furnished old house. Most days, the dog chases squirrels, then dozes indoors on an old rug. On a walk in the hills, they observe a crow, and the woman marvels at what it would be like to fly. The woman throws sticks for the dog to fetch and finds a stout walking stick for herself. They rest at a familiar boulder "with its perfect seat." Whirling fall leaves trigger a memory of playing outside for hours. Kazemi draws the woman in her younger form, hair now dark against her pale skin, dancing among the leaves. The artist's lovely illustrations blend chalky graphite-gray with pastel and rusty autumnal accents. The full harvest moon rises, and the woman thinks of words to describe it: "huge, looming, warm, gentle, enormous, dreamy, peaceful, autumnal--magnificent." Next morning, stiff and achy from the long walk, she goes outside to watch the sun rise. "There was a chill in the air. Soon it would be cold. It always comes like this, thought the old woman, and yet no one day is the same as another." This beautifully contemplative portrait is notable for its depiction of a capable elder, dwelling not amid illness, regret, or grief, but in the moment, relishing each day's unique beauty. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.2-inch double-page spreads viewed at 91.5% of actual size.) Calming, serene, respectful. (Picture book. 3-7)

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