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Friday, August 19, 2022

Blanket, written and illustrated by Ruth Ohi. Groundwood, 2022. $18.99 ages 3 and up


"How much difference can a 
friend make on a gray day?
"

If you have that special friend, you will know just how much better you feel in their company. 

Cat wakes up to golden sunlight coming through the bedroom window. The birds are singing, the leaves and flowers shimmering. Cat is not feeling it. Sadness is the dominant feeling as Cat leaves the bed, removes the blue blanket and uses it as a place to hide. 

Dog enters the bedroom, takes note of the lump, and proceeds to read a book aloud. The lump moves closer and snuggles up. The two sit together until Dog is invited inside. The two share the space comfortably. Cat opens up about feelings that are overwhelming. 

Dog uses a small flashlight to entertain, then leaves for a moment. Cat worries until Dog is back, with an idea for making their space bigger. The two then use the flashlight to create shadow animals, providing fun and relaxation. Dog suggests moving out from under the blanket; Cat is unsure. When Dog departs, Cat is able to move beyond the blanket's full protection. Cat falls back to sleep on the blanket, and is surprised when Dog returns with a surprise ... a picnic and a shared look at a day made infinitely better in the presence of a dear friend. 

There are no words ... and words are unnecessary to tell this heartfelt tale. 

Expressive, deceptively simple images use generally bare backgrounds and effective mood color and expression to show what deep sadness is, and how a loving friend can make all the difference.                                                                              


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