I wonder then, what Freedom is.
Is it a place? Is it a thought?
Can it be stolen? Can it be bought?
Sharing a conversation about the earth, its inhabitants,
and what Freedom means to them, a mother and her
child dance through questions about life, love, and family
in Amyra León’s stunning poem. Complemented by Molly
Mendoza’s gorgeous and flowing illustrations, this striking
book is sure to empower and inspire children everywhere.
The above words are on the back page of Freedom, We Sing by Amyra León. I use them to let you know what this book is. I cannot do the story real justice. I can only tell you how I feel about the book.
This is a book you must experience. This is mostly because of Molly Mendoza’s illustrations. No, this is artwork that should be framed. It would make great decorations for a child’s room or classroom. They are lush, and yes, flowing. The colors just explode. The details are strong, but sometimes it feels as if they “bleed together” showing the unity of everything and their dream like quality. If anything, the illustrations make the story for me.
I enjoy learning about what a mother and child feel about the idea, concept, word of freedom, but it is tied in with the illustrations. They are not separate but one. One does not work without the other. I cannot see another illustrator doing these, or maybe more accurately with this airiness quality. Still, they are solid images and not abstract in any form or manner.
This is a nice book dealing with current events without focusing on one thing. All the issues are rolled into the concept of freedom. Old school and modern tones come into play, and it is suited for most ages. And while older children could use it in a classroom setting (poetry or currently event studies) the picture book format could turn them off for a solo read.
