Total Pageviews

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Boy Here, Boy There, written and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. tundra. Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 


"One boy here.

Runners, jumpers, 
fliers and pouncers 
everywhere!
"

As a family of Neanderthals sets out to find shelter, the young boy takes note of the world around him. They find a cave, settle in as others before them have done. Tired from their long journey, the family rests; the boy is more interested in the valley below and all he can see from his high vantage point. 

He ventures out. 

"Home behind, 
trees ahead, 
valley below
and bright river far away.

As he walks on, the narrator puts the world into perspective for him. He finds berries as does the bear who shares his natural space. He follows the animals he sees, and copies their movements. His roll in the grass takes him downhill and brings more discoveries, including an opportunity to follow a young mammoth and its family. 

Coming out of the tall grasses and reaching the river, he finds himself face-to-face with another boy. A boy from a different time and place, who looks remarkably like him. After a quick wave, the other boy's family prepares to move forward and does. It's time for to find his way back home where he joins his family for the evening meal. The black ash from the fire provides exactly what he needs to leave a reminder of himself, and the wave between Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens boys. Those who come to the cave after them will have a chance to know their story, because an early artist made his mark on the wall there.                                                                                          


No comments:

Post a Comment