Title: Lost for Words
Author/Illustrator: Natalie Russell
Age Group: 3-6
Synopsis: Tapir’s friends are all so good at writing, whether it’s stories or poem, but he can’t seem to find his own inspiration.
The Lowdown:
Bug’s taken to opening hardcover books, propping the front cover up, and pretending he’s typing on a laptop. When I ask him what he’s up to he usually says he’s working on his blog. I do all my writing while he’s sleeping or at school so I’m not sure where he’s getting it from but it’s slightly flattering. While I love providing an example of pursuing something I love, I don’t want to be creating too much pressure, for him to write. If he ends up loving it as much as I do, then that’s awesome but if not I want him to feel comfortable finding his own way. His own passions, his own outlets. It’s so easy to get swept up in what those around us are doing. Fads can be tangible, emotional, and even idealistic. What I love about Lost for Words is that Natalie Russell taps into that feeling of wanting to belong but not having the same connection or love for the current fashion. It’s a complicated set of emotions and something that many kids can connect with and if not now then at some point in the future.
Tapir, the main character, has just received a new notebook and pencils on the first page. He’s not sure what to write about. He talks to his friends. They can all write. Giraffe composes poems, Hippo creates stories, and Flamingo writes songs. They all are good friends but their accomplishments makes Tapir feel inadequate and frustrated. It’s only when Tapir goes off by himself and allows himself to focus on his own mode of expression that he’s able to realize that writing isn’t his mode of expression. Tapir needs to draw. When his friends see his now filled notebook, they’re amazed by the drawings but they knew that Tapir could produce something so amazing.
Russell maintains the same self-loyalty through her fabulous illustrations here. The same smooth, soft, and sweet illustrations that spoke to us with Brown Rabbit in the City are on display here. The lines all carry curves beautifully and allow the drawings to share a cohesive truth that shines through the pages. Russell also uses such amazing color palates, utilizing bright vibrant colors while keeping the overall effect relaxed. Her characters too are gentled versions of their real-life counterparts, making them more accessible to young readers. It gives the overall effect of reading while wrapped in a soft blanket: comforting, soothing, and leaving you wanting just one more page.
I’m still not sure what Bug will find as his creative outlet. I often think of these outlets in terms of media but as my husband is quick to remind me, that too is putting a limit on the overall process. His personal outlet is either running or learning a new language, both things that I have to motivate myself to do. He’s right though. Allowing Bug to grow and explore with minimal limitations and zero expectations will allow him to find his own voice of self-expression. And through that a way to find fulfillment and keep himself grounded.
Story Tips:
- Play Drawing Stories after this. Just use a piece of paper and narrate what you’re drawing. Your little one can do one on their own or you can both work on a story together. Remember it doesn’t need to actually look like the story, it just is providing a medium to allow you both to be creative.
I need more!
Check out my review on Natalie Russell’s Brown Rabbit in the City for more info regarding her work.
