From the Publisher
Min’s fantastical imagination is once again on full Technicolor display in this fairy tale–like story… the vibrant illustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, will entice young and old alike. An ode to late-life nostalgia that will nonetheless be visually enchanting to all ages.” —Kirkus
“Min (Shy Willow) uses swirls of rainbow hues and stars to conjure up an otherworldly atmosphere… Many themes intersect in this dreamlike tale, including giving as a source of joy, listening to elders, and making old things new again.” — Publishers Weekly
“Min delivers an understated, effective message about appreciating the lives and experiences of older people and the value they can share with the young.” — Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2022-08-17
A magical toymaker creates wondrous toys not for children but for grandparents and older people.
Min’s fantastical imagination is once again on full Technicolor display in this fairy tale–like story about a toymaker who lives “in a faraway land, on top of a rainbow mountain.” The twist? The Little Toymaker is a small boy, wearing a red and yellow robe adorned with tiny stars. Older people bring him toys from their childhood, and he rebuilds them into “something new—something magical.” One day, a particularly tough case arrives at his door. A woman has brought a small tin that she played with as a girl. She and the Little Toymaker chat as he tries in vain to revamp her tin, turning it into a flying bird, a train, a music box, and more. But none are just right—until she reveals a story from her past of a special man in her life. Over several lush double-page spreads incorporating fiery explosions of color, sound effects, and romantic memories, the Little Toymaker weaves together elements from the woman’s stories; finally, the toy hits its mark. Though the message might, like the toys themselves, be best suited toward adult readers, the vibrant illustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, will entice young and old alike. The Little Toymaker presents as Asian, with pale skin and dark hair; the woman he helps is light-skinned and white-haired; and the children and adults depicted near the Little Toymaker’s home are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An ode to late-life nostalgia that will nonetheless be visually enchanting to all ages. (Picture book. 4-8)