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A review by twicomb
Nour's Secret Library by Wafa' Tarnowska, Vali Mintzi
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
With this touching story, Wafa' Tarnowska takes us inside the experience of living as a child in a city being torn apart by war. But she also shows the resilience and hope that persists. It's a simple, beautiful tale that is based in true events, which makes it even more touching. This story contains a line that may be one of my new favorites: "Every book was like a person wanting to be loved."
Vali Mintzi's soft, painterly illustrations remind me very much of the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmens (the first won Caldecott Honor). There is an absolutely gorgeous image of a ship riding on waves made up of books' pages. The ship contains the buildings and the people of the town. I interpret that as symbolizing how the books are keeping them safe and giving them hope that they're continuing to move forward.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC for unbiased review.
Vali Mintzi's soft, painterly illustrations remind me very much of the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmens (the first won Caldecott Honor). There is an absolutely gorgeous image of a ship riding on waves made up of books' pages. The ship contains the buildings and the people of the town. I interpret that as symbolizing how the books are keeping them safe and giving them hope that they're continuing to move forward.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC for unbiased review.