Somewhere
Written by Jeanne Willis │Illustrated by Anastasia Suvorova
Verdict: ✦✦✦✦✧
Beautifully illustrated and crafted, this book offers a sweet message of togetherness, while extending empathy to children feeling overstimulated.
What is it about:
A little boy finds himself getting tired of adult questions, so he runs away to find a quiet place. Where does he go? Nowhere, an enchanting place that does not have to explain itself and does not ask the boy to explain himself either. It is whatever the boy wants it to be. It gives the boy time to think and explore. And as he does so, he comes to the realization that Nowhere is nice for a while, but also a bit lonely. How will he get back to Somewhere? What is Somewhere?
Our take:
This large-format picture book features easy-to-comprehend illustrations and an intriguing central concept of Nowhere vs. Somewhere, the frustrations of other people vs. total freedom. The text offers many opportunities for fun voices with its question-centric paragraphs, and the illustrations, too, offer plenty to sustain multiple re-readings. Extra-special features are the cut-out shapes on each page: places to peek through, to trace with your finger, to wonder about what else is on the other side, hinting at worlds within worlds. The story is very gentle, perfect for very sensitive children. (There is one page on being lost, but that offers a great jumping off point for discussions as well.) The story also shows a child using his imagination while learning to appreciate both silence and togetherness, and gently illustrates contrasts and consequences, things that children can absorb slowly through multiple readings. An excellent choice for both family and school libraries.
Perfect for:
Children ages 4-7, both sensitive and adventurous. Somewhere provides understanding for an overstimulated boy while also encouraging children to think about dealing with life when it is not perfect. It’s also a good choice for children who often complain of "having nothing to do," as it portrays a child using his imagination to explore, play, ponder, and come to terms with challenges.
Conversation starters:
Where is Nowhere? Where is Somewhere? Where would you rather be?
Do you like being asked questions? Do you like asking questions?
How should we respond when people do things that we don't like? Use examples of parents, friends, siblings, then broaden it to strangers.
Where do we find safe places to be alone to think and play?
What we do we need to have fun?
When you think you are lost, what should you do?
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