It is not unusual to be sad at times. Sadness happens to all of us. Whether you’re sad about the loss of game or championship by your favorite team, or grieving for the loss of a pet or a loved one, or suffering an unexplained general malaise, it is not something you can just “snap out of.”
In Let the Light In, by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Adriani Predoi, the feeling of unnamed sadnesses are explored. From the ones that pass quickly, making it easy to cope, to bouts of sadness that seem hopeless with no end in sight.
Suggestions are floated in the gently rhyming text to help our protagonist overcome her sadness. Or methods to work through it. It is clear that, as suggested above, she is not going to be able to snap out of it. It is going to take and effort on her part. Visiting a friend that won’t make you talk, or visiting a friend that is willing to listen. Paying attention to the world around you—song birds. Giving hugs. BIG hugs. Suggestions of different creative activities is among the methods. Drawing out or writing about what is making you sad. Making art projects, cooking something scrumptious “to share—and to eat.”
It is clear that time and effort is what it takes to ‘let the light in.’
The illustrations are, and I’m taking a stab at this, digital. (If I’m wrong, apologies!!) They are rendered with saturated fills and interesting textures. The palette is engaging and mood setting in each spread. Predoi’s characters are likable in an endearing way. You can easily tell how the protagonist is feeling. You can feel her despair and her hope. And finally her cautious feeling of relief.
This is a sweet look at a feeling we sometimes have to endure. In the simple rhyme and text we are given hope and ideas, and you can top it off with a smile. I’d suggest that this is a good read for not only kids, but for all of us.
