cweichel's review
5.0
Raphael loves his friend Jerome unabashedly. This book pays homage to these kinds of close friendships.
It's beautifully written and translated.
"But she never says anything about how warm his smile is. She doesn't seem to notice that I have a secret hideout there, where I feel protected by Jerome's two eyes."
Olivier Tallec's illustrations have a warm tenderness that captures this relationship.
This is a feel good book, but there is also a bit of tension in the parent's inability to fully understand how and why Jerome is so important to Raphael.
It's beautifully written and translated.
"But she never says anything about how warm his smile is. She doesn't seem to notice that I have a secret hideout there, where I feel protected by Jerome's two eyes."
Olivier Tallec's illustrations have a warm tenderness that captures this relationship.
This is a feel good book, but there is also a bit of tension in the parent's inability to fully understand how and why Jerome is so important to Raphael.
tashrow's review
5.0
This beautiful, heartfelt picture book shows the incredible joy of having a true childhood friend. In this book, Raphael loves his best friend Jerome. He’s a friend who isn’t afraid to hold hands, picks Raphael as his partner at school, shares his snacks, and defends Raphael if anyone picks on him. When Raphael’s parents react rather rudely when he expresses his admiration and adoration of Jerome, Raphael heads to his room. There he looks for a great gift for Jerome, until he is distracted thinking about adventures that he and Jerome can have together. Because they will!
A French import, this picture book is childhood captured on the page. There is a merriment to the boys’ time together and an innocence inherent in the way they treat one another. And yet Raphael has beautifully concrete reasons that he loves Jerome and it’s all about how well he is treated and how Jerome makes him feel inside. The parents’ reaction may echo some of the reactions of adult readers who may wonder if there is more connection between the boys than just friends. That is neatly put in its place as Raphael heads off to be with his friend regardless of what that friendship may eventually mean for them.
Tallec’s illustrations are as masterful as ever. The pairing of the two boys is depicted with solid connections between the two of them. They have a lovely playfulness about them that capture the friendship of the boys and mimics the merriment that the boys feel when together. A delicate and touching story of friendship. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
A French import, this picture book is childhood captured on the page. There is a merriment to the boys’ time together and an innocence inherent in the way they treat one another. And yet Raphael has beautifully concrete reasons that he loves Jerome and it’s all about how well he is treated and how Jerome makes him feel inside. The parents’ reaction may echo some of the reactions of adult readers who may wonder if there is more connection between the boys than just friends. That is neatly put in its place as Raphael heads off to be with his friend regardless of what that friendship may eventually mean for them.
Tallec’s illustrations are as masterful as ever. The pairing of the two boys is depicted with solid connections between the two of them. They have a lovely playfulness about them that capture the friendship of the boys and mimics the merriment that the boys feel when together. A delicate and touching story of friendship. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
mat_tobin's review
5.0
It is easy to tell someone that you love them; especially when you know that the feeling is unquestionably reciprocated. But, for Raphael, our young narrator, it is a little more difficult because society isn't ready to accept his love for Jerome. In a beautiful, French picturebook written by Scotto (translated by Bedrick and Snelson) and illustrated by the wonderful Tallec, who blessed us with [b:Big Wolf and Little Wolf|6226468|Big Wolf and Little Wolf|Nadine Brun-Cosme|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1354209189s/6226468.jpg|6409050], is a story that celebrates the fierce love one boy has for his best friend.
With a beautiful narrative rhythm in both image and text, Raphael introduces us to his best friend, Jerome, who seems a little older and a little more assured but will still, happily grip his friend's hand tight whilst they cycle and walk around the suburb or stick up for his smaller friend if he is picked on at school. The time they spend together, sharing each other's food or running and laughing together sees the pages awash in bright yellows and reds; Raphael's happiness literally brightens the page. Yet when his parents question his friendship and wish of him that he would adhere to what it is boys should do and how they should be, Raphael finds his very beliefs and understanding of love questioned and with that, his world becomes saturated in moody blues.
It is only when Raphael casts off these doubts through remembering the reciprocal simplicity of the love he and Jerome have for each other that he escapes.
I can see why Popova calls it a text to adds to the LGBT community but it could also be something that celebrates the gradual chipping away of entrenched masculine ideologies in which boys can hold hands and love each other the same way girls can. Whatever your interpretation, and both are welcome, this is a beautiful story which all children should encounter.
With a beautiful narrative rhythm in both image and text, Raphael introduces us to his best friend, Jerome, who seems a little older and a little more assured but will still, happily grip his friend's hand tight whilst they cycle and walk around the suburb or stick up for his smaller friend if he is picked on at school. The time they spend together, sharing each other's food or running and laughing together sees the pages awash in bright yellows and reds; Raphael's happiness literally brightens the page. Yet when his parents question his friendship and wish of him that he would adhere to what it is boys should do and how they should be, Raphael finds his very beliefs and understanding of love questioned and with that, his world becomes saturated in moody blues.
It is only when Raphael casts off these doubts through remembering the reciprocal simplicity of the love he and Jerome have for each other that he escapes.
I can see why Popova calls it a text to adds to the LGBT community but it could also be something that celebrates the gradual chipping away of entrenched masculine ideologies in which boys can hold hands and love each other the same way girls can. Whatever your interpretation, and both are welcome, this is a beautiful story which all children should encounter.
mrogows's review
3.0
This was a cute book with great messaging.
It may have been the translation, but at times the prose were a bit awkward. The story didn't really feel like it had much of a direction, with no real conclusion. I do like that it introduces the concept of love at an early age, and that love is love is love is love. I will always be supportive of this message and the way that it is presented here is easy to understand and digest.
The pictures are unique and different. Some kids will really enjoy this, but others may not find it as engaging.
It's still a fun book, and I'd recommend it for a fun story time pared with a very active book.
It may have been the translation, but at times the prose were a bit awkward. The story didn't really feel like it had much of a direction, with no real conclusion. I do like that it introduces the concept of love at an early age, and that love is love is love is love. I will always be supportive of this message and the way that it is presented here is easy to understand and digest.
The pictures are unique and different. Some kids will really enjoy this, but others may not find it as engaging.
It's still a fun book, and I'd recommend it for a fun story time pared with a very active book.
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