A sublime picture book debut for both author and illustrator that will leave a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Built and cared for by a kind fisherman and perched where the ocean meets the sand, the weathered shack stands. The seasons come and go but the shack remains; a glorious place in Summer, windswept in Autumn, battered by storms in Winter, in need of repair in Spring. The house is despondent and neglected until a new face appears. Will they offer the tender loving care that the shack so desperately longs for… Told from the perspective of the titular seaside abode, a careful observer of the world around them, The Lucky Shack is a beautiful picture book with a lot going on. A moving, heartfelt and ultimately uplifting tale will captivate readers with its delicate exploration of the seasons, the power of nature, and the cycle of life and death. With themes of rejuvenation and restoration, resilience and hope, darkness and light, the depth of the narrative is far greater than the simple story of a little shack by the sea. The shack is a perfect encapsulation of life’s journey; the good, the bad and the in-between. Life is not all sunshine and rainbows, there are tough times along the way but blue skies and calmer seas are waiting if we can find the courage and strength to overcome the hurdles we face. With lots to discuss, plenty to ponder and even more to wonder about with many a question left unanswered, this is a book that could be explored by children of all ages and at many different levels. For any teachers after a text that exemplifies personification, then look no further - as a teaching tool this is about as near perfect as you could wish for (accompanying teaching notes can be found here). Delivered in poetic prose that flit here and there across the pages, emotion pours from every crack and crevice of the shack on a tumultuous and emotional journey through the seasons. Sights, feelings and experiences are shared as happiness becomes loneliness, loneliness becomes despair, despair becomes hope, hope becoming happiness once again.
Each scene is a work of art. Spectrums of green and rainbows of blue accentuate countryside, sky and ocean; sweeping brushstrokes create the illusion of movement as winds blow and seas ripple; subtle facial expressions give clues to the feelings of the house. Pay close attention to the windows and door and you see something else…eyes, a mouth. The Lucky Shack is a metaphor for life - this is the chicken soup for the soul of the picture book world. Yes the world is challenging and life won’t always be easy but here we are reassured and comforted that everything, in the end, will be OK. It is the hug we all need once in a while and I encourage everyone to visit this little house by the sea for those that do will be richly rewarded and will leave with their cups overflowing with happiness and hope. Recommended for 4+. With huge thanks to Harper Collins and Working Title Press for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
March 2024
|