"I look for the smiling girl
everywhere - behind the spices
that make my eyes water.
by the barrels of sweet lychees ...
under the tables of rainbow fabric.
She's gone."
Set in China, this quiet story introduces Liling who has moved with her parents from the country to live in a big city. Her parents do factory work, and cannot afford to send her to school. She spends her days with them, in places where children are expected to be quiet and still. It is a lonely life.
At the busy market, Liling notices a smiling girl in a bold yellow coat. There is no chance to speak to her. Liling searches everywhere at the market for her, with no luck. At home, her parents do their best to find places she will enjoy. Instead, the children in the park ignore her greetings and call her names.
"I climb under the
slide and pretend I'm a
dragon with diamond
scales. Dragons don't
need new friends."
From her balcony Liling can see the city, its cars and its multitude of inhabitants. She is surprised to spot a flash of yellow. What are the chances? The smiling girl lives in the next building. They call out to each other, much to the consternation of a grumpy neighbor. Home is now more welcoming as the two share greetings every night. Liling continues to look on visits to the market and park. The girl is not in either place.
Inspired to find a way to communicate, Liling draws a picture of her old home and lowers it in a can from her balcony to the girl below. Back and forth they go with messages and pictures every day. When Qiqi invites her to meet at the park, Liling voices concern about the other children. There is no need. This heartful story is proof positive that friendship has remarkable power for those who feel lonely, as we all do at times.
The only bright spots in the Ms. Evans' pencil and watercolor images are the jackets worn by the girls. Against the backdrop of a bleak city landscape, they are easy to spot and follow as their story is told. I love the way dragons, a sign of courage, are woven onto pages where bravery is needed. Scenes that reflect Chinese culture are sensitively drawn and help to inform young readers.
A glossary and pronunciation guide as the story opens, and an author's note and list of resources are helpful.
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