Learn new rules.
Gather wood.
Home to eat.
Dusty slippers.
Muddy feet."
Two-to-three word rhyming sentences aptly describe two very different lives in this book about family, weather, and perspective. As the story moves forward it is easy for readers to see that climate change in the northwestern part of India has a huge impact on the way both families live.
The girl and her family live in the desert - a hot, dry environment that requires shade from the sun, long treks for water, wood gathering, eating outdoors, and worry about dust storms. The boy and his family live on lush, green fields, use coverings to protect themselves from constant rain, attend school, and worry about powerful rainstorms.
The girl's family seeks what protection they can manage to keep them safe from the swirling sand; the boy's family attempts to seal the door in order to keep the water outside. When the weather finally calms, both families must pack their things and move. As we watch them move in seemingly opposite directions toward higher ground, it is fascinating that they end up at the same destination. Together now, there are no more split images for comparison. Rather, there is great joy for both families as they have found a peaceful, starry spot to celebrate life and new friends.
The arresting illustrations that accompany the descriptive, short, poetic sentences were created in pencil and then digitally colored to show the drama felt by both families. The changing perspectives add interest and demand attention to the plight of both families. The color palette chosen clearly delineates one family's existence from the other. Be sure to read it again; it is definitely worth further attention.
In back matter, both author and illustrator offer at look at the research done to tell their story.
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