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CM . . .
. Volume X Number 1 . . . . September 5, 2003
Picking a sample from this poetry collection to share with readers, one that would reflect the poems in this book, was a tricky task. Although held together with the theme of gifts or presents of all kinds, these poems are as varied in thought, content and form as are the gifts; some rhyme, others are written in blank verse or short prose; several are comprised of only a brief thought, while others fill several pages.
In her introduction, Jean Little shares her views of gifts and how her childhood experiences with the art of giving and receiving led to her interest in this topic and then to this collection about the nature of presents. As in her well received book, Here World Here I Am! , she explores this theme through a childhood perspective that includes honesty, joy, pain, compassion and humour. Although readers are presented with a collection of poems, in fact, what they are given is the "gift" of her observations, and vignettes about life, love, friendship, family, and identity all wrapped in one interesting book. The poems are filled with Jean Little's characteristic wit and wry humour, and yet many of the selections reflect a longing, a yearning, and several would be considered poignant, sad and even painful. Regardless of this variety, which at times seems awkward and uneven, all are insightful. Many of the gifts are metaphors for fulfilling dreams, for discovering the true art of giving the right item to the right person or exploring the way one receives presents. Others, on first reading have nothing at all to do with presents. But once again, Little has the ability to get to the heart of what matters, as she does in all her writings, and zeroes in on the human condition, laying bare the emotions related to gift giving, whether it is giving worms, valentines, fishing rods, books melons, castles or tickets to baseball games. Kady MacDonald Denton's pen and watercolour sketches add a wonderful dimension to the book. The whimsical pictures alternate between black and white drawings, and those of a blue hue, with her trademark of interesting comical faces, cleverly convey expressions and emotions in scratchy ink lines and washes. Sometimes a single item suffices; other times there is greater detail with interesting shading and perspectives. As always, the illustrations are appealing, and many capture the essential feeling of the moment and the true essences of the thought behind the poem. Although written from a child's perspective, several poems, because of their serious tone, would only be meaningful and appreciated from the distance of adulthood. The collection is populated by quirky characters, who are siblings, toddlers, teens, a teacher, foster children, delinquent parents, precocious children and even inanimate objects. Jean's observations make these people and things come alive, and Denton's playful vignettes complement the text. There are surprises to be discovered in this book, and there seems to be something for everyone to relate to. Reading many of these poems is like taking a trip down the memory lane of our childhoods. Many will enjoy the journey. Recommended. Reesa Cohen is an Instructor of Children's Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB, where she recently designed and delivered a course devoted entirely to Canadian Children's Literature for certified teachers.
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