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Vaicenavičienė, Monika

What Is a River?

48 pp. | Enchanted Lion | March, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-1-59270-279-4 $18.95
(2) K-3 This Swedish import, extensive in scope, explores the meaning of rivers by taking a multifaceted and impressionistic look at their function and symbolism across the world and throughout history. The narrative is framed by a fictional child and grandmother at a river (the two function as the book's visual through line) and provides lyrical commentary and factual information on each spread. The inquisitive, contemplative child asks Grandma what a river is, and the response is layered. She explains the nature of rivers in ways geographical and topographical, ecological, linguistic, sociological, historical, industrial, personal, and more. Sprawling spreads feature delicate, intricate drawings; detailed, earth-toned paintings in relaxed lines; and a font that mimics handwriting. The grandmother's responses cover a wide ground, identifying the creatures whose lives are sustained by rivers and, toward the close, briefly acknowledging the ways in which humans are polluting them. Many of her responses are evocative ("A river is a smell"), and some honor their lore: one spread pays tribute to mermaids and other "secrets" of rivers, and the following spread acknowledges "a magical underground river called Lethe." This thought-provoking book is a compelling conversation starter for young readers.
Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

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