Title: Isle of You
Author: David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Jamie Kim
Age Group: 1-6
Synopsis: An uplifting story that focuses on self-regulation through visualization and the reminder that the reader is loved.
The Lowdown:
This book has exploded in our house. Bug and Peanut love the illustrations and I love the concept. As Valentines Day draws near I’m reminded of the different ways we express our love for each other. We say it a lot here but sometimes there’s more strength in just providing support for those we love. Isle of You plays with this idea. Encouraging readers to create their own haven with the support of their loved ones.
The story reads almost like a led meditation and speaks directly to the reader through a compassionate and understanding tone. It treads the perfect line of empathy without veering into the realm of patronizing. The reader then embarks on an encouraging journey of self-recovery. Little ones leave their worries behind and set sail to a place that welcomes them with open arms and delights in the imagination. There’s a playfulness behind the text that also lends itself to the beautiful balance that the book maintains. And in the end, it’s this playfulness that delivers the final message of the story in repeating its title: Isle of You or I Love You.
Jamie Kim seems to have been the perfect choice for this text. Her imaginative images are soft and comforting. However they don’t lack any amount of creativity or expression and instead encourage the reader to explore past the illustrations and discover their own comforting fantasies. Whether that be hot air balloon rides, mountain exploring, a comforting outfit, or favorite snack. The ending page also ties the main character’s room with the visualized images (ie a boat and elephant which bear a resemblance to the captain of the boat). It hints that comfort can come from your own environment and isn’t necessarily found in a forgein land. I also have to mention how much I LOVE that the main character is unidentifiable in terms of gender. It opens up the accessibility of the text so much more.
When we are surrounded by adversity it is difficult to see that silver lining sometimes or the light at the end of the tunnel. By providing this stepping stone to children we are encouraging and teaching them to find their own comfort, their own happy place for when things feel as if they are becoming unbearable. Part of that is the unshakable knowledge that they are loved. And that, of course, is non-debatable.
Story Tips:
- Have your little one create their own “Isle of You” What would that entail?
I need more!
David LaRochelle has a number of books out. A couple we’ve seen but never picked up. Check out more on his website here: https://www.davidlarochelle.com/chbooks/allpbooks.html
Jamie Kim has some stunning books out. None that I’ve seen before but some that we’re definitely adding to our read list. See more about her work here: https://www.jaimekim.com/book
