The minimalistic text and illustrations of Sundust: (A Caldecott Honor Book) by Zeke Peña packs a punch. It is a “you experience it by what you bring to the table” book. Therefore, no two people read the same book, and even no two readings by the same reader will be the same book, either. The siblings of the story leave the comfort zone of their home, community, safety, and wander into the desert. Here they not only see things you can’t find in society, you are able to connect to nature, the past and culture. The concept of following the light, bouncing off of the things of the world comes alive in vibrant colors. The pink of the cover is seen throughout the pages and is really what smacks you.
One thing I found interesting was how the personalities of the siblings are probably shown in the drawing of them. The sister is long, lanky and fluid. She has bending places, curves, and her hair flows about. She is more likely to be heading straight forward, or floating in a desired direction. While the brother is boxy, square, tight curls to his head. He is just as likely to be seen upside down as right side up. There was one image where his hands looked human, but robot in shape.
Maybe not a poetic read or viewing, but it is not straightforward prose nor is the artwork obviously realistically formatted. Things are not necessarily romantic, but do have a loving and hopeful element that shows the love these two people have for each other, their community and nature around them.
