Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Country Kid, City Kid
Illustrator: Ted Rand
Picture Book
For ages 3 to 6
Henry Holt, 2002 ISBN: 0805064672
With the passing of the seasons, two children who are miles apart live their lives in such different ways. Ben lives in the country, closely linked to the earth and its rhythms. Far away Jody goes about her days working and playing in a city world with its street noises, shops full of people, and conveniences. Both children do the same kinds of things, but they do them in such dissimilar ways. When they meet at summer camp, they find that their differences don’t prevent them from being good friends. They share what they have in common and explore what they don’t.
In soft watercolor illustrations and with the clever use of insets and frames, the illustrator brings to life two very different worlds where a tree flames over a county postbox in the fall, and where slush splashes on city boots in the winter. On one side of a double page spread one sees a scene from country life, and on the other side one scenes a scene from city life. Then, as one comes towards the end of the book, both children come together on one page, sharing space and friendship. The author shows us that we can be very different because of where we come from ,and yet still have enough in common to become friends. This is a very lovely and special book.
