Spark

by Ani Castillo

Overview

With the whimsy of Oliver Jeffers, the accessibility of Todd Parr, and empowerment of Peter Reynolds, this crossover gift book invites readers to ponder and celebrate the magic of being alive.



Beginning with the birth of a baby, the story takes the reader on a journey through life, navigates the ups and downs, and culminates in a deeply satisfying sense of the wonder and awe in being human.


With a charming gift book trim size, a unique and inspiring message delivered in an artful, accessible package, Spark will strike a chord with both children and adults.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316424653
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	03/16/2021
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Ani Castillo was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she studied communications, art, and digital media. She is the author and illustrator of Ping and her art has been exhibited in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, and her popular cartoon, Pupa & Lavinia, ran for ten years in Mexican newspapers. Ani now lives with her two young daughters in Canada.

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2021

PreS-Gr 1—A rounded white-faced creature with wide eyes and a turquoise bodysuit poses open-ended questions such as "What is this magical thing to be alive?" Other questions such as "Where was I before I was born?" and "How did we get so lucky to call this universe home?" build upon the sense of wonderment—the "spark" referred to in the title—of being alive. The text meanders into questions of purpose and sentiments of gratitude. A few spreads are placed to make cheerful points such as "Let the spark shine!" The vivid colors with heavy outline depict the charming creature's exploration of the world, joined by a red-suited friend, but disjointed pacing and lack of substance do not bring the tale to life. VERDICT Platitudes and overly sentimental text paired with crayon-bright colors attempt to convey the spark but fall flat. Give this one a miss.—Ramarie Beaver, formerly at Plano P.L., TX

School Library Journal