"My brother told me stories. Sometimes
he'd read them from books. Sometimes
they came straight from his head. "Did
you know?" he'd begin., and I'd
snuggle close, cozy as a caterpillar in
her cocoon."
Sara Greenwood writes from personal experience to tell this family story. It is one not often heard by readers of picture books. The young narrator begins by telling the audience that her brother does not live where she lives. Instead, he is far away. She likes to stand in his room and imagine that he is just out with friends.
She has many memories of times they spent together before he went away. Moonlight walks, on his shoulders, made the stars feel closer. Telling or reading stories together. It's hard to tell kids the truth when they ask questions about him. Someone mentions seeing him on the news; that he did something bad. It stirs up anger at her brother, and a need for reassurance from her parents. Memories surface again and again.
Then, it is time to make the long trip to visit him. Arriving at the prison, waiting in line filled with apprehension, she finally sees him ... and loves him as he also loves her.
"I see
I'm not the only one
whose brother is away."
Emotion-filled illustrations are clear and helpful while allowing the young girl to appreciate the many memories she shares with her brother, as well as the confusion and sadness felt at his absence. An author's note adds context for sharing this warm and comforting story, in hopes it might help another child realize they are not alone.
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