Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Red Sled
Illustrator: Chris L. Demarest
Picture Book
For ages 3 to 6
Boyds Mills Press, 2008 ISBN: 1590785592
The moon is just coming up and a boy and his father are sitting inside their house feeling “sad.” Then they have a great idea. Quickly they put on their outdoor clothes and soon they are outside looking at the “still hill” that is covered with “snow aglow” in the light of the moon. Then the father and son climb the hill, and soon they are sledding down on their red sled, having the time of their lives.
In this wonderfully simple yet carefully crafted picture book the author uses words, sounds, and imagery to create a compelling story poem that flows beautifully from start to finish. Readers might notice that there is a distinct structure to the story, and if they are interested they will find an explanation of this format in the author’s note at the back of the book.
Chris L. Demarest’s illustrations perfectly capture the joy that the boy and his father feel as they fly down the hill, and the warmth and contentment that they experience back at home when their little adventure is over.
