The Light in Me Sees the Light in You

February 1, 2021
An exquisitely gentle introduction to loss. The connection between Robin (a White child with red hair) and Poppy (a red bird with a white beak) is instantaneous. From the moment they meet, they see "the light" in each other. Soon the two are inseparable, sharing moments like watching the clouds or climbing a tree. They have their differences (mostly surrounding food), but their affection abides. And then, one day, Poppy is gone. With only a feather to remember Poppy by, Robin is left lonely and alone. Yet after a dream of flying with Poppy, the child feels their friend in so many places: "The light in you will always be part of the light in me." It is clear that the point of the story is not to confront grief or the crushing weight of sadness. At no moment do readers see Robin even cry, the book's focus fixated squarely on a meditative inner light. So too does it eschew a spiritual explanation of where Poppy is now (or even what happened to the bird). Some caregivers may find the book's message too vague for their children. For others, it will be precisely what they need. Watercolors and colored pencils match tone and mood, page by page. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 29.9% of actual size.) A book built to comfort--not to confront. (Picture book. 3-6)

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