Review: Haere - Farewell, Jack, Farewell

Haere - Farewell, Jack, Farewell

Written by Tim Tipene

Illustrated by Huhana Smith

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Huia Publishers
ISBN: 1-86969-104-0

Summary/Back cover:
A death is mourned, a birth is celebrated, and a little girl sees that life comes full circle.

A poetic and moving tale by Tim Tipene with evocative illustrations by Huhana Smoth.

Review:
This follows the theme of death in childrens' books, as I've already reviewed in Duck, Death and the Tulip, and The Bear and the Wildcat. I haven't read this book to my children either, but this book was worthy of being reviewed due to the Maori culture that it is based on (for those readers from outside New Zealand, Maori are the indigenous people of our country, and the culture is an important part of New Zealand).

Haere- Farewell, Jack, Farewell is the story of Koro Jack (Grandad) dying, being taken to the marae, manuhiri (visitors) coming to pay their respects, and taking him to the urupa (cemetery). It then goes on to nephew Jack being born, and being introduced to Koro Jack at the urupa.

It is a gentle tale that quietly explains the process from death to burial of a loved one in the Maori culture. There are a few important Maori words scattered throughout the story, but no glossary to explain them, if you don't know what they mean. However, a quick Google search found me www.maoridictionary.co.nz which helped me out with the couple of words I was unfamiliar with.

For Maori children who lose a loved one, I definitely recommend this book. For non-Maori, I recommend this as a great book to understand a wee bit of Maori culture. Well written, from a child's point of view, and makes good use of Maori language and other kiwi slang ("cuzzies", for example).

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: The Bear and the Wildcat

The Bear and the Wildcat

Written by Kazumi Yumoto

Illustrated by Komako Sakai

Publication date: 2011 (original Japanese publication 2008)
Publisher: Gecko Press
ISBN: 978-1-877467-70-7

Summary/Back cover:
A beautiful picture book about loneliness, loss and grief, ending with a positive new beginning.

Review:
Along with Duck, Death and the Tulip, this is another story that delicately deals with the subject of death. This story starts with death, and follows Bear's grief journey and how other animals react to him in the wake of his best frend dying.

The story ends on a positive note, with Bear finding a way to let go of his friend, and realising that his life will carry on, and the memories of his friend will stay with him forever. He even recognises that others might have had friends that they have lost as well.

This is a beautiful book to help young people through their grieving process - I wouldn't let them read it by themselves, as there are many discussion points to bring up from reading it. I haven't read this book to my 3.5 and 1.5 year olds, and don't intend to until we have a reason to - but I think it's a great follow-on to Duck, Death and the Tulip.

The illustrations are simple and monotone, well suited to the tone of the text. Bear's grief is tenderly and quietly portrayed, and although the book is very sad, it's not a scary book at all.

If you have read this book with your children, please do either leave me a comment here, telling me your thoughts, or email me on 1001bookreviews@gmail.com so I can put your comments up anonymously.

My rating: 4.9 out of 5 - a lovely story to help children and teens through their grief.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Duck, Death and the Tulip

Duck, Death and the Tulip

Written and Illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch

Publication date: 2008 (original German publication 2007)
Publisher: Gecko Press
ISBN: 978-1-877467-14-1

Summary/Back cover:
In a strangely heartwarming story, a duck strikes up an unlikely friendship with Death. "Who are you? Why are you creeping along behind me?" "Good. You've finally noticed me," said Death. "I am Death." Duck was startled. You couldn't blame her for that.

Death, Duck and the Tulip is the much anticipated translation of Wolf Erlbruch's latest masterpiece. Death, Duck and the Tulip will intrigue, haunt and enchant teenagers and adults. Simple, unusual, warm and witty - a picture book version of The Book Thief. This book deals with a difficult subject in away that is elegant, straightforward, and thought-provoking.

Review:
I had heard about this book, but not read it before - it's a sad yet tender tale about a duck and his journey with Death, who is presented wearing slippers and a checkered dressing gown, with a skull as his head, and carrying a black tulip. Duck perhaps doesn't realise he is near the end of his life as he walks and talks with Death, but the two strike up an acquaintanceship, if not quite a friendship.

The story is as much about life as it is about death, and the pair discuss the afterlife - what happens to us after we die. In the end, Duck stops breathing and dies very quietly. Death strokes her rumpled feathers and gently places her in the river with the black tulip. The final page of the book is "For a long time he watched her. When she was lost to sight, he was almost a little moved. But that's life, thought Death."

I will admit, I haven't read this to my 3.5 year old and 18 month old children, as I don't know that they're ready to deal with such a grown up concept - or maybe I'm not ready to teach them about it yet. In either case, we're lucky in that we haven't had to approach the topic of death with them yet, but I think this book will be a lovely one to read after, say, an elderly relative has passed on, and the children start to question what has happened.

The illustrations are under-stated and tender, suiting the story perfectly. It will be a great book to discuss with slightly older children who will grasp the concept of death - I'm not sure how well younger children will understand it, but I think quite possibly that our younger children understand more than we give them credit for, sometimes.

If you have read this book with your children, please do either leave me a comment here, telling me your thoughts, or email me on 1001bookreviews@gmail.com so I can put your comments up anonymously.

My rating: 5 out of 5 - a poignant tale of death, approached in an incredibly tender way.

Review written by Bronwyn