Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration

Browns of all kinds are lauded through a natural lens in this celebration of community and belonging. Gazing out the window at moving water, one child speaks of “Deep, secret brown./ Like the subtly churning river currents/ playfully beckoning me.” A page turn later, the same phrase turns inward: “Deep, secret brown... like my eyes.” In precise, lyrical poems by debut author Doyon, the “feathery brown” of hemlock shadows seen on a hike becomes “feathery brown... like my lashes.” In brown tones, wonderfully inclusive mixed media art by Juanita (When Aidan Became a Brother) portrays scenes of comfort and abundance: families laughing and cuddling; women enjoying bounty; children engaging in leaping, lively play. Plenty of attention is given to the senses out of doors: one girl enjoys a caramel apple with her brother, who uses a wheelchair, while another family smooths “every bump and curve” of “towering summer sandcastles.” Throughout, the creators draw the beauty of the natural world—a forest, a snowstorm—into relationship with the characters until the twined concepts become part of a quilted family tree. A magnificent paean to a varied hue. Ages 5–8. [em](Jan.) [/em]