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Sunday, January 19, 2020

A Map Into The World, written by Kao Kalia Yang and illustrated by Seo Kim. Lerner, Carolrhoda Books, Thomas Allen & Son, 2019. $23.99 ages 6 and up

"At night, I looked out our big window at Bob and Ruth's house to see their lights shining across the dark street. Sometimes I saw a shape of a person looking back at me. I waved, but the shadow person never waved back.
On a cold morning, cars came to our block, filling the street. Car doors slammed as men and women in thick jackets walked quickly to Bob and Ruth's house."

In her picture book debut, Kao Kalia Yang introduces readers to Paj Ntaub, a young girl moving into a new house with her family. Paj Ntaub soon meets their new neighbors, Bob and Ruth. They are an older couple living across the street.

The arrival of twin brothers soon after they settle into their new home brings a certain amount of noise that has the girl and her father going outside for a walk. Bob and Ruth wave from their special bench as the two pass by. Summer turns to fall, and then to colder weather. With the arrival of winter, the neighbors rarely see each other. When her father tells her that Ruth has died, Paj Ntaub is sad.

Spring brings new life to their yard, the babies enjoy being outside, and the girl and her grandmother tend to the garden. Bob brings his special bench back outside.

"I asked my mother to ask Bob
if I could draw on his driveway.

I said, "If he doesn't like it, the rain
will come and wash it away."

Bob nodded and said, "Go ahead,"

What Paj Ntaub leaves on his sidewalk is a beautiful invitation, and a testament to all that she sees as she looks closely at their neighborhood. Her art shows a world of wonder, and she hopes that it will provide comfort. How kind!
                                                                                 

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