The Books of Allen Say
story time
good books for bigs and littles
We recently discovered the books of Allen Say, and our whole family is enjoying these treasures. Say is an Asian American author and watercolor artist. His books—many based on his fascinating life—often discuss issues related to heritage and family. They are deeply poignant, sometime surreal, and always ring true, even when they are entirely imaginary. Read on for a few recommendations.
Stranger in the Mirror
My husband describes Stranger in the Mirror as “Black Mirror for Kids.” In this book a young boy wakes up one morning to discover he has become an old man. He is poked and prodded at the doctor’s office, teased at school, and worried over at home. Sam, the protagonist, finds some measure of relief in his skateboard, which he is miraculously still able to ride with the agility of a child. Eventually Sam returns to his former self in a way that is sudden and unexplained. But I think this book is more about where it begins than where it ends. It’s about the loss of his grandfather who is no longer waiting for him when he comes home from school and about how sudden it must feel to be old and unrecognizable to yourself.
A River Dream
A River Dream is a feverish dream, specifically a boy’s dream of a fishing trip with his uncle when he is actually home sick. Say’s hyper-realist watercolor illustrations enhance a story that is both imaginary and yet so familiar many readers will close the book feeling as though they’ve just woken from a dream.
Grandfather’s Journey
Of all the books I’ve read by Say so far, Grandfather’s Journey is my favorite. This tale spans three generations and describes a young boy’s relationship with his grandfather. On a deeper level, it’s a story about the immigrant experience and what “home” means. The artwork is stunning, often capturing the feeling of old-style photographs, and the book is steeped in a sweet, sad nostalgia. There are ghosts in this book, but in a good way.
What are you and your kids reading right now? Share in the Comments section below.
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