Blog Archives
The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp
In The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp by Tuula Pere and Georgia Stylou, we follow a sickly young boy named Aron whose tenacity and determination keep his spirits high when all hope seems lost. The Shoemaker, Aron’s father, is deeply devastated by the fact that his son may not make it through the freezing winter. Until Aron spots, an oil lamp that he knows will help aid in his recovery so that he and his father can go fishing next summer, but also allow his father to work more hours into the night to sell more shoes to help feed his family.
At the story’s beginning, we become overwhelmingly sympathetic to the woes of the Shoemaker and his family. Knowing the burdens that come with having a large family grounds us as readers to connect to the characters. The message of never losing hope is self-evident whenever Aron speaks. He may have been deathly ill, with significantly low odds of surviving, but he kept positive and would speak of the future, which is a difficult task to accomplish, yet he does it with grace and maturity. It shows how resilient children are and gives power to them for what could only be seen as a vulnerable, sick child. This story also speaks to the community, where the rich man comes to help by giving lamp oil to the family, ultimately allowing Aron’s recovery. Showing how small acts of kindness can truly change lives and proving that sticking together is all for the greater good.
The Shoemaker’s Splendid Lamp is an inspirational children’s book that shows how positive thoughts and kindness can impact the world around you. I would highly recommend this story to young readers as it is skillfully descriptive in writing and keeps readers enraptured throughout the story.
Pages: | ASIN : B07HYX3385
Raspberry Red
Aino doesn’t understand why her father has left with the other village men during autumn. She doesn’t understand why scary noises are coming from the forest and why her mother wants her to play near home. Forced to leave their home when soldiers arrive, Aino quickly grabs her doll running for the trucks that will take the family to safety, but they have left without her. Looking back to where she ran, she sees the bright red doll’s apron lying on the pure white snow. It is then that Aino realizes two soldiers are standing near her house, and they too have seen the apron and her footprints. The young soldier sees her and sends the older one into the house. He then lets Aino escape, leaving her doll’s apron behind.
Aino, her family, and her friends must learn to live in strange homes and rely on people they do not know. Then, when the war is winding down, they can finally go back home. Arriving home to a burnt-down home, she is shocked to find her raspberry red apron that belonged to her doll hanging from a clothesline.
Raspberry Red by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Georgia Stylou is a story that I was not expecting, but the ending made me smile. This stirring story starts out on the darker side with questions and uncertainty for all the characters. The images in the story are impressive as they look lifelike and like they are hand-drawn. Aino’s eyes especially will draw in readers and convey her feelings throughout this inspirational book.
Aino’s character is impressive as she is a child but still aware of her surroundings and she is responsible and helpful to her mother. Raspberry Red is a short but powerful read that will leave the reader with complex emotions. Pere’s writing is remarkable in having the ability to affect readers. The best part of this book is the end, where readers will learn the meaning of the title Raspberry Red.
Raspberry Red is an emotionally charged children’s book that deals with war, displaced families, and the struggle to survive and rebuild in a war-torn country. Given current events, this insightful book will help readers understand the plight of those living in these conditions. This book would be a great way to open discussion with children.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B077LXS2VQ
LITERARY TITAN 