"They're the people on the buses and trains,
those who keep them moving,
and those who ride them, too ...
who are heading out to keep grocery stores open,
to sell to the city
beans and flour and rice
and soap and soup and spaghetti ...
and toilet paper, too."
In his author's note, Brian Floca tells his readers:
"I have enjoyed sketching the places and people
of New York City since I first moved here, over
twenty years ago now. In the spring of 2020, with
the arrival of COVID-19, drawing what I saw
around me in the city took on an additional
meaning and purpose; it became one small way
of trying to stay oriented in a place that felt
suddenly transformed and unfamiliar, locked
down and hushed, an Edward Hopper canvas
come to life."
In drawing what he was seeing, Mr. Floca turned his attention to the many vehicles that were constantly moving about the city. While the streets were mostly deserted, those vehicles made their way from place to place carrying the people whose essential services were very much needed by everyone dealing with the isolation caused by the pandemic. They were driven by mail carriers, fire fighters, police, transit drivers, food deliverers, health care workers - and so many more.
They kept the city going. Taxis helped people return after long shifts in hospitals, after grocery trips to buy essentials. Mail trucks brought the packages full of things people needed but could not get out to buy. So many people risked their health to provide for customers, friends, neighbors. The list of essential workers seems endless, and each is worthy of our thanks for all they did to keep New York and the world working under demanding and stressful circumstances.
The child narrators watch from their window, taking note of all that is being done to keep them safe and as healthy as possible. In early evenings, they join others in celebrating those who could not stay safe at home.
"The sounds are low, and then they grow -
pots BANG! Drums BOOM!
Bells RING! Horns BLOW!
a racket, a din, and a row!
We join with their clapping,
we join with a CHEER!
We hear the city say to us -
and we say back to the city -
that we are all still here,
and we are here together. "
This is another important book to share with children, and hold on to for the future when we take the time to think back on all the events of the last 18 months. It is a reminder to always celebrate the many essential workers who did so much for all of us, and continue to do so. Created using watercolor, ink, acrylic and gouache, the many spreads are filled with accurate, detailed images of streets, workers, and the plethora of vehicles needed to 'keep the city going'.
We will remember how COVID affected each one of us, let's not forget the many who made life possible in very trying times. Bravo, Mr. Floca! Let's hope that your stunning book will serve to help us remember this time in history as a memory, rather than an ongoing dilemma.
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