A few days ago, I read a book, but was unable to write a long review of it. And today I read another book I could have but did not want to weaken it. The issue with Brave Mrs. Sato was not that it is a bad book, far from it, but that is simple and doing over 250 words for a review can overwhelm the reader. Therefore, this is a shorter review than the second one, I Think I Think a Lot. This book has a more modern theme, and I think might be a bit more relatable today’s listeners/readers.
Mrs. Sato is a brave woman (hence why the book is called Brave Mrs. Sato). Only we do not really realize that until the young girl of the story (who is babysat by Mrs. Soto) must move away, and she shares her fears with her friend. The idea of being brave in Lori Matsukawa’s story is one we know, it is slightly different as we are talking about bravery from an older woman when she was younger, but still, it is familiar. It is the illustrations of Tammy Yee that makes this a fresh look at the theme. They are lush, colorful and bring the story to life. Both their own character and support the story, their details and information bring everything together. The present and past come together nicely. Currently out, I read this via an online reader copy.
The little girl in this story thinks a lot. In fact, she knows that I Think I Think a Lot. And her worries, thoughts and issues all boil up into a form of OCD (we see learn this in the authors afterwards). Based on the author, Jessica Whipple’s own experiences, how the girl thinks of things is something that many of us can relate to. She wants to be “good enough.” She wants to make sure people know she is sorry. Therefore, if she bumps into you, she will say, “I am sorry, are you okay? Did I hurt you?” and more words. Whereas her friend just quickly says, “Sorry” and flutters off. But then again, a book has thousands of words, millions even. And if she is grateful for the gift, you give her, she does not want to seem ungrateful, so she will repeat her thank you. And each one the narrator feels might be a negative, has a counter to it, to show that everyone is different, but so are books and birds. Whomever we are does not mean we are better, just different. And Josee Bisaillon has soft illustrations to soften this situation, with good, strong colors, but not overwhelming.
