MY FATHER’S ARMS ARE A BOAT written by Stein Erik Lunde, illustrated by Øyvind Torseter, and translated by Kari Dickson

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lunde, Stein Erik. My Father’s Arms are a Boat. Ill. by Øyvind Torseter. New York: Echanted Lion Books, 2012. ISBN 1592701248

PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book tells the story of a young boy who is unable to sleep and needs his father’s comfort as they deal with the loss of the boy’s mom. Throughout the night, they have conversations about the red birds, the spruce tree, the hunting fox, the stars, and about his mom. Although grieving himself, the father calms the boy by providing answers and telling him that everything will be alright.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book tells a thought-provoking Norwegian story in which a father’s arms are like a boat, carrying the boy through as they face grief together. This is indeed a sad story for readers, however, the bond between the boy and the father offers a glimpse of hope. Inside the house, it is quiet and lonely for them. Nature appears to be their outlet as they talk beneath the stars during the wintry night. Perhaps they feel the need to be surrounded by nature because it is full of life. Overall, the story is calm and tender, but with jolts of the unexpected. For instance, the boy states, “Granny says the red birds are dead people.” Even with moments like these, the story amazingly captures the reality of this difficult time in a simple way that anyone could potentially relate to.

The illustrations in this story consist of drawings and cut-outs. These illustrations are essential to the story and complement the words for deeper meaning. For instance, the lack of color throughout most of the book could signify the silent sadness and the open space could symbolize the emptiness they feel in their hearts. Oddly, the only evidence of vibrant color is shown on the fox, the swing, and the brick wall at the end of the story. Maybe the color in this story symbolizes warmth and comfort. The illustration of the father holding the boy by the fire is exceptionally beautiful, followed by the red birds eating the bread. This profound story definitely lends itself to pondering life and loss. It undoubtedly invites readers to reflect, analyze, and respond.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

USBBY’s 2014 Outstanding International Books list

A 2014 Mildred L Batchelder Honor Book

From The Horn Book: "The quiet, intimate text and enigmatic paper-collage and ink illustrations make a world of their own that commends interest beyond the therapeutic."

From School Library Journal: "This distinctive look at life, death, and grief is beautiful and thought-provoking."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Books to read such as:

Suzhen, Fang. Grandma Lives in a Perfume Village. Ill. by Sonja Danowski. ISBN 0735842167

Liniers. Written and Drawn by Henrietta. ISBN 193517990X

Possible activities:

Teach students about the meaning of a metaphor beginning with an example from the book.

Make and discuss inferences throughout the story, such as what they might have wished for.