Afterward, Everything Was Different: A Tale From the Pleistocene, written by Jairo Buitrago and illustrated by Rafael Yockteng. Translated by Elisa Amado. Aldana Libros, Greystone Kids. 2023. $22.95 ages 5 and up

"The marks she made were never erased. 
As time went by, she became the leader 
of the clan."

What an amazing threesome for providing thought-provoking, inspiring books to readers. Mostly wordless, it imagines how human history may have changed in but one single moment. Their story is set in the Pleistocene era. Before we come in contact with humans, readers are witness to the vast numbers of animals that roamed the earth, and to the earth itself. As humans become obvious in the wordless spreads, they can be seen coming nearer to the animals, spears in hand. They advance toward them, causing widespread fear. The largest of the bison-like creatures will not be threatened. 

The story's main characters are human. Their lives and the actions they take are presented as they move ever forward in their search for home and food. It is a dangerous pursuit. They encounter beasts of all types and spend parts of their days in trees avoiding sure death. The wilderness is endless, filled with fir trees and cloud-shrouded mountains. They carry on. 

A little girl is ever observant. She is intent on the animals. the dark skies, the journey itself. She is a leader as they move forward. They face brutal weather conditions and dangerous mountain climbs. Their attempts to find shelter are met with failure. Eventually, the environment becomes more habitable; finding shelter is easier. The clashes with terrorizing beasts do not end. Working together improves their chances at life in a warm, sheltered cave. 

As she has throughout their long journey, the child takes in their surroundings. A stick in the fire provides a writing implement. With smoking stick in hand, she paints pictures on the cave walls while she is alone. Upon the family's return to the cave, she is ready to read aloud her pictures to the gathered audience. 

And so, their story was, and is, told today. 

Two expressive notes at book's end allow readers to learn the inspiration for creating this wondrous book and add context. It is clear to all who 'read' this book just how powerful art and storytelling can be.