Things That Go Away by Beatrice Alemagna

Things That Go Away, by Beatrice Alemagna. I’m recommending this book for its beautiful artwork, clever design, and message. A message that I think is especially important for our young ones to hear during this difficult time.

Things go away. Things change. Things will not always be as they are. All except for one thing that will never change— love.

There is such an honesty to Beatrice Alemagna’s artwork. On the cover, we see this darling girl blowing the wishing seeds from a dandelion. And the ‘things that go away and change’ continue onto the end pages which also act as title page.

Turn the page, and you’ll find that there’s a wonderful surprise in this book. And I was! I was wonderfully surprised!

Alemagna lists things that will go away. Things such as: sleep, a wound (almost),dark thoughts, leaves, weather, fear, lice (luckily). The “lice (luckily)” made me laugh. But the surprise comes in the book’s unique addition of a velum page inserted in between each spread. On each one is a black graphic that we see change and disappear as we turn the page.

Here is the first spread in the book,

“In life,

many things go away.

They transform,

they pass by.”

and this one I thought was fun…

“Sleep always departs.”

and…

“Leaves fall,”

I find this book not only beautiful, but its hopeful message really lifted my heart. Don’t we all need to hear this now? That things will not always be this way, “They transform”.

I’m grateful that Beatrice Alemagna created this glorious book. I’m glad that I found it. And I’m excited to get to share it with you today.

Eventually, everything passes,

moves on, or changes.

But one thing never goes away,

and never will.

Never.

Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Jennifer is the illustrator and author of several acclaimed picture books. Most recently is Always by My Side, 'A Stuffie Story', which she wrote and illustrated. She also is both the author and illustrator of Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. Jennifer illustrated Gondra’s Treasure, written by Newbery award winner Linda Sue Park. As well as, Sometimes You Fly, by Newbery medalist, Katherine Applegate. She illustrated Yaks Yak, Animal Word Pairs by Linda Sue Park, The Inventor's Secret, What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford, by Suzanne Slade, Rabbi Benjamin's Buttons, by Alice B. McGinty, and The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, by Chris Kurtz.

34 Comments:

  1. I agree. The message is timely and simply stated from the heart, the design is innovative, yet so organic to the book, and the art is so childlike, yet lovely and moving. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Shannon Howarth Nelsen

    So beautiful. Thanks for sharing this treasure.

  3. Thanks for sharing this one – looking forward to reading this book!

  4. What a concept and perfect for the theme! Thanks for bringing this one to our attention.

  5. Oh my, I cannot wait to read this book!

  6. Love that some publishers are occasionally willing to take on projects like this that have slightly more complicated production elements. The end product is so worth it!

    • Hi Cathy, it’s interesting that one of the major reviewers didn’t feel the vellum page was successful (other major reviewers gave the book stars— go figure). I think some pages did work better than others, but it was so unique and illustrative of the message of the book. And, yes, Yay to those publishers who take some creative risks!

  7. beautiful and sparse -full of love and wisdom. Thanks for sharing and congrats!

  8. Brilliant, gorgeous, and timely. I am WOWED!

  9. Oh, I love this! So simple and elegant. Thank you for highlighting it today.

  10. Lovely book to share now and always! A special message for all of us to remember.

  11. Aww! Such a delightful picture book! The sweet message is always a beautiful reminder. The sensational illustrations are truly unique.

  12. Ahh…such a tender book.

  13. A lovely book, indeed, that has appeared at the perfect time. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing the art and message of this timely book.

  14. I am so taken by this. I can’t wait to see the whole book.

  15. Very beautiful illustrations & the theme is wonderful.

  16. Lovely! Thanks for sharing!

  17. I’ll definitely add this to my list! The sentiment is lovely!

  18. What a lovely message. Congratulations, Beatrice.

  19. This looks like a lovely book! Thanks for sharing with us!

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