"Bina. What are you doing?
I am not Bina.
I am ... groceries.
Are you okay?
I'm fine."
Tiny, a small white rabbit, has invited pal Bina Bear to a party. Bina has accepted the invitation, despite a real hesitation to being with so many people. Bina is a huge purple bear, hard to miss in any room. But Bina is missing when Tiny makes the rounds. Where can Bina be?
It is very easy for young readers to find Bina in a dark room. At first she dons a shade and poses as a lamp. Tiny accepts that answer. Next, she disguises herself as a table topped with a bowl of fruit. Tiny asks for a banana and thanks Bina for it. So it goes: Tiny finding Bina, and Bina pretending to be something that is not a bear. Tiny is always aware of Bina's whereabouts. When Bina pretends to be groceries, using a bag for a face mask, she begins to cry, Tiny consoles her Bina as any concerned friend would do.
"I don't like parties.
Then why did you come?
Because I like you.
I like you, too."
As the party-goers come looking for them, Tiny is quick to prove just what a special friend she is. Shy kids are sure to see themselves in this story of friendship and acceptance. Would that they all find a Tiny to help them be honest when dealing with their feelings about crowds and noise.
Mike Curato's mixed media artwork, using watercolor, colored pencil and ink, is a study in contrasts. Purples and yellows for darkness and light, a party setting on a white background, pastels for Tiny's house, and the size difference between Tiny and Bina. Take note of the bold red background when the two can hear the rest of the attendees getting close to find them. It shows real worry for what might happen next. There's plenty of empathy and gentle humor to attract young readers with an awareness for Bina's feelings and Tiny's strong friendship.
No comments:
Post a Comment