One Small Blue Bead

May 1, 1992
PreS Up- -First published in 1965 (Macmillan; o.p.) with illustrations by Symeon Shimin, this title returns with new pictures. Baylor tells in verse the story of a prehistoric boy whose tribe believes that they are the only humans in existence. An old man questions this notion but can set out on a quest of discovery only if someone takes over his work. "Boy," who up to then had contributed little to the groups' welfare, volunteers to take the old man's place. Months go by and at last the old man returns, accompanied by living proof of his hypothesis-a stranger, a boy from a different tribe, who brings with him a turquoise bead. The bead becomes for the tribe, and for readers, the symbol of connection with other human beings. The new edition has fewer pages; thus, the text is crowded on some pages. Shimin depicts a very young child; Himler's boy seems much older, leading readers to wonder how he had avoided work. While Shimin's pictures are largely one color, Himler's are gloriously vivid with brilliant blue skies and sunny earth tones. Striking, however, is not the differences but the similarities in the two editions. The pictures resemble each other greatly in subject matter, in composition, in placement of figures and poses. Himler seems to have used Shimin's original ideas and expanded on them, adding detail with color. Although Shimin's pictures lack the depth of elaboration found here, his human figures almost leap with gracefulness. Himler's people look chunky and stiff. Both editions offer valuable visions. -Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TX