skavansieur's review
4.0
A review copy was provided by courtesy of Holiday House Publishing, Inc.
The art is phenomenal with watercolour paintings blended so beautifully, it depicts the countryside as such a hopeful, dreamy and cosy place to grow up. It is so magical, almost ethereal.
Jasu Hu‘s art truly complemented Howard Schwartz’s poem. While Howard’s poem was wise, reflecting on all we need in this world (aside from the obvious), it made Jasu remember and interpret it with her experience of growing up in Hunan. To think that such a simple, relatable poem would have inspired this, poetry sure does have an impact. Had I grown up having this book on my shelf, I’d be mesmerised and inspired by her art to begin a career in illustration.
Still, I wished others who do not read Mandarin would be able to fully experience this book. Perhaps it was made to be more intimate. Either way, here’s the best translation of my 6 years of Mandarin in primary school could give, it says:
“Beloved father and mother, I’m very happy, I finally found a new ‘home’.
Thinking of you
Zhong [name]"
The art is phenomenal with watercolour paintings blended so beautifully, it depicts the countryside as such a hopeful, dreamy and cosy place to grow up. It is so magical, almost ethereal.
Jasu Hu‘s art truly complemented Howard Schwartz’s poem. While Howard’s poem was wise, reflecting on all we need in this world (aside from the obvious), it made Jasu remember and interpret it with her experience of growing up in Hunan. To think that such a simple, relatable poem would have inspired this, poetry sure does have an impact. Had I grown up having this book on my shelf, I’d be mesmerised and inspired by her art to begin a career in illustration.
Still, I wished others who do not read Mandarin would be able to fully experience this book. Perhaps it was made to be more intimate. Either way, here’s the best translation of my 6 years of Mandarin in primary school could give, it says:
“Beloved father and mother, I’m very happy, I finally found a new ‘home’.
Thinking of you
Zhong [name]"
anitairene's review
5.0
Beautiful ! Schwartz's simple yet emotional prose goes perfect with Hu's gorgeous watercolor illustrations. I may have shed a few tears.
mckenzierichardson's review
4.0
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
A delightfully simple story that lists what humans need in splendid poetic style. Through the illustrations, the reader watches a life unfold. Jasu Hu pulls from her own life story and depicts her artistic journey, celebrating homecoming, happiness, and the cyclical nature of love and life.
Though it is simple, it is beautiful. In fact, the simplicity strengthens it. The book shows how little is needed and serves as a reminder to appreciate all those remarkable things that come together just right.
Through lively artwork that brings the words on the page to life, Schwartz and Hu create a lovely reminder of appreciation for life and its journeys. Absolutely beautiful.
A delightfully simple story that lists what humans need in splendid poetic style. Through the illustrations, the reader watches a life unfold. Jasu Hu pulls from her own life story and depicts her artistic journey, celebrating homecoming, happiness, and the cyclical nature of love and life.
Though it is simple, it is beautiful. In fact, the simplicity strengthens it. The book shows how little is needed and serves as a reminder to appreciate all those remarkable things that come together just right.
Through lively artwork that brings the words on the page to life, Schwartz and Hu create a lovely reminder of appreciation for life and its journeys. Absolutely beautiful.
panda_incognito's review
4.0
The illustrations are stunning, and the text is sweet and reassuring without being saccharine.
fernandie's review
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
sunflowerjess's review
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Oh my heart. This book is simply gorgeous. I love that it is "a universal story" (from the author's note) and is based on the illustrator's (Jasu Hu) childhood home and experiences as a young artist. I could look at this artwork for hours, it is that beautiful. I want to give this book to every person I know!
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