"When Ellen was born, the relatives came to celebrate. Grandmas and grandpas. Aunties and uncles. And cousins by the dozens. Everyone ohhed. 'Look at the sparkle in her eyes!' Everyone ahhed. 'She hardly ever cries.' Everyone cooed and gitchy-gitchy-gooed. 'She's smart.' 'So cheerful.' 'And strong!' Everyone had plans for Ellen."
Each new visitor brings a personal prediction for Ellen's future. They have their reasons, and their desire for Ellen to be just like them. Ellen is predictably agreeable as they stand over her crib and plan her life. They do it with love and a desire for a wonderful life for this new wee girl who burps, burbles and coos. They are delighted with their visits and enchanted by her presence among them. She might be a fisherman, a dancer, a birdwatcher, a musician, a truck driver...who knows? The noise is fearsome and ever-growing, until Ellen puts a stop to it! With a howl that quiets the crowd, Ellen is lifted from her crib and offered up her own take on the joy that surrounds her...she will do just what she wants for now!
There is such joy and love in the watercolor artwork that presents each of Ellen's relatives on their first visit. They crowd around offering gifts, baby talk, and wonder. Juanita Havill has chosen to tell her story with descriptive language and a great deal of fun, in the face of too much attention at one time. We have all been there, right? And in the end, Ellen will be who Ellen is and that's that!
No comments:
Post a Comment