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Sunday, January 21, 2018

La La La written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Jaime Kim. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2017. $21.99 ages 3 and up



"What if you were
able to connect with
someone?

What if you were
able to sing?"

She is a singer. She is lonely. She is on the lookout for a friend to sing with her. First, she sings in her room and no one responds. When falling leaves begin to slip into the house through an open space, she thinks she might find a response outside. No such luck. She remains alone.

Out in the woods, near a pond, she continues singing her solitary song, hoping that there will be a response. She sings to a rock, then to a tree, her song becoming more forceful and plaintive. She does not give up, moving past other flora until she gives in and heads back home. There, she waits through the afternoon until the sunlit sky gives way to the purple haze of evening.

She returns to the outdoors, enticed by the darkening skies and finally finding a spot in a beam of moonlight. She sings her song once more. Will the moon sing back? She is heartened by its brilliance and its presence. Nothing. Maybe she needs to be closer. A ladder brings her nearer, and she sings her song again. No response. Her wait seems endless, until dragging her ladder, she heads for home once more.

It is a long and tiring time ... but, what is that sound?

So beautifully designed and filled with hope and love, Kate DiCamillo and Jaime Kim stun their audience with this almost wordless picture book. The simplicity of the song is enhanced by the soft colors of day that give way to the strength and beauty found at dusk, and the emotions expressed by a small girl in each setting.

She is brave. She perseveres. She is seen!

 You need a copy.

https://youtu.be/OqxOlkabmH4

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