LITTLE YOU written by Richard Van Camp and Illustrated by Julie Flett

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Van Camp, Richard. Little You. Ill. by Julie Flett. Canada: Orca Book Publishers, 2013. ISBN 1459802489

PLOT SUMMARY

This board book celebrates the joy that a child brings into the world. Through the changing of the seasons, the child in the story begins to grow up, transitioning from an infant to a toddler.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Little You is a perfect example of “less is more.” The beginning of the wonderful journey of parenthood is a huge event, yet it is captured seamlessly with poetic text that is short and simple. The book encompasses many of the initial feelings of being new parents. It is also likely to keep the attention of young ones, since it is written so simply and includes rhyming. As soothing as a lullaby, it is also great for infants to listen to. There are cultural aspects to the story, including the portrayal of Native characters as the contemporary family in the story. Author Richard Van Camp is a member of the Dogrib nation, and Illustrator Julie Flett is of Cree-Métis heritage. The words and artwork together, filled with authenticity, deliver a message that has the potential to bring meaning to families of any background.

The illustrations accompany the text in a lovely way, giving the book a warm, cozy feel. The illustrations consist of pencil, watercolor, gouache, and digital collage. The turn of every page portrays a child in various settings, including home and nature. Sometimes the parents are shown bonding with the child, showing their commitment and love. There are many noticeable aspects of the illustrations. For instance, evidence of sunlight or moonlight is shown on nearly every page. A deep connection with nature also seems to be apparent. Plant life includes flowers and trees throughout the story. Types of insects, birds, fish and pets are also included. The child is often interacting with them. Lastly, the clothing consistently shows various patterns, usually made of shapes. Perhaps these are all subtle indications of the family’s culture.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal: "This tender celebration of babies features gentle rhymes and warm, understated illustrations...The art has the look of cut paper, with distinct lines and pleasingly curved shapes...Eschewing the overt cuteness often seen in board books, the artist captures the toddler’s joy in subtle, but tangible images...The family feels real and specific, and the message...will resonate with all readers."

From Booklist: "Both the language and artwork is sophisticated in this board book that welcomes a new child into the world and explains how important he or she is to their parents...There is a smoothness and softness to both the message and the rhythm of the text, to which little ones will respond...The collage-style art featuring an Asian family has a warm elegance that parents will enjoy and whimsical touches that will appeal to children."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Richard Van Camp books to read such as:

Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns. ISBN 1551436612

We Sang You Home. Ill. by Julia Flett. ISBN 145981178X

Gather other board books illustrated by Julie Flett to read such as:

Smith, Monique Gray. My Heart Fills with Happiness. Ill. by Julie Flett  ISBN 1459809572

Possible activities:

Discuss the aspects of the illustrations on each page.

Find the rhyming words throughout the book.