Others, written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Charles Santoso is a masterclass in how to convey a complicated concept by combining the perfect marriage of words and pictures. In this stunning picture book both text and illustration carry equally heavy loads and they do so in a very natural, unexpected, relatable, and organic way.
Two children stand at the side of a tall hedge wondering what the people are like on the other side. Their conversations imagine all kinds of ways they are different— from being able to fly, to having tentacles.
But as they ponder these differences, they also begin to see similarities.
How might the ‘others’ feel? Scared? Do they love their family?
The imagined “Others” begin to look more and more like the two children as they question through their assumptions.
Until one of the children climbs over the hedge. And then their discussion becomes about each person’s reality.
Stunning illustrations with easy to follow page designs takes us on the two children’s journey and reminds all of us that we are much more similar than we are different.
After all, we are all human beings living on this planet together.
This is a powerful and affirming lesson thoughtfully revealed in such a clever way that it’s bound to engage and enlighten readers of all ages.
Because, after all, there’s really no such thing as the “others”.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing this wonderful book.
My pleasure, Deb. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting!
Looking forward to reading this. My library system has ordered 7 copies and I’m 7th in line. 🙂
I’m glad you’re in the queue! I hope you enjoy it when you get to read it and I’m happy that your library has so many copies of this wonderful book. Thanks for visiting PBB!
Wow! This is the book everyone should be reading (not just children, either)! Thank you for this powerful message!
I agree, Lori. I hope you like the book. And thank you so much for visiting and commenting on Picture Book Builders!
Just one word: LOVELY!
EXACTLY! Thank you, Kathy!
What a wonderful way to show this difficult concept! Thank you for this.
I love how Kobi Yamada thinks!
Wow, this looks amazing! Thanks!