Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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Score: 91+/100 (9.1+ out of 10)
We say this so often that it has become like a broken record, but author Tuula Pere continually finds new ways to think outside the box and present us with children's books that are so different and unconventional. Traveling Companions is one such example of an unconventional children's book. What other children's book would feature a natural disaster that results in an injured child being left behind for the greater good? Well, that's quite a premise! The book begins with a rope-maker's family and their mountainside village suddenly being caught in the middle of a landslide. In the midst of the chaotic evacuation, the rope-maker's son (Tony) is left behind—supposedly to be rescued later (though it kinda seemed to us like he was left for dead)—due to him having an injured leg. What a perilous situation! However, we gradually learn that Tony isn't the only one who was left behind. He soon finds an elderly man who is very wise yet must walk with a cane. They then discover a giant, hulking man, a blacksmith, who happens to be blind. The three form a bond and a great degree of camaraderie around both their shared circumstances and disabilities. They make a fire together and also share resources like food and water. They then determine that they can escape the mountain if they work together as a team. And here lies the beauty of the book: the emphasis on teamwork and complementary partnerships/relationships. In the ways that one person might be weak, vulnerable, or failing, another member of the team may be strong, capable, and successful. As you might expect in a children's book, the unlikely trio is able to work together to finally get down form the mountain and reunite with the rest of the villagers. When you look at this book in concept, it's actually beautiful, powerful, and brilliant. It is slightly held back by the wordiness, illustration style, and the somewhat confusing way in which the events are initially portrayed. It actually helps to distance yourself from the action and to see the story of this book in hindsight and from afar. It's easier to understand and digest that way. Tony's perspective, while more intimate, is also very narrow. It's a little challenging to figure out what's really going on in the grand scheme of things, at least until you finish the book and look back at it. However, we still appreciate the wonderful story this book was trying to tell. It's hard not to sympathize with those left behind. There's a part of us that really feels like the giant blacksmith probably accomplished the most and was the MVP of the group and that Tony kinda got sidelined for the epic journey. The giant blacksmith may be a candidate for “Best Character or “Best Supporting Character.” Check it out on Amazon!
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