Guest review by Janelle Bailey, avid reader and always learning; sometimes substitute teaching, sometimes grandbabysitting, sometimes selling books

Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers

Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers

If you think that this is a children’s book and thus merely for children, and you have no reason to read one, then start at the back and read first the “Author’s Note,” which is actually a lengthily astute essay, Jeffers answering anyone’s question about why he “made” this book in the first place. Or, note that its start is an epigraph with Mary Oliver’s ever compelling: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” from “The Summer Day.”

This is a gorgeous book, Jeffers the author and artist/illustrator, both, the norm for him. And whether you see it as a children’s book and read it to/with children, or see it as a coffee table beauty, something to be shared with anyone who sits long enough in your living room to enjoy it, you will be happy both to read it and to share it with others.

Rich in bright neons and capturing the stars and sky, Jeffers says in the essay at the end that it was not until he began to read and research astronauts that he came to some of the thinking he processes here. And I am certainly reminded of Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot while reading. That idea, that not only this “world” from afar is super small, each of us even smaller, is well conveyed.

And also Jeffers makes it very clear how silly (my word not his; he’s far more diplomatic, if subtly so) it is that humans have spent so very much–far, far too much–time on “us vs. them” operation and thinking, rather than all the WE we so could be/do/achieve.

[Deep sigh]…

If only everyone would read the book and seize Jeffers suggestion to: begin again…and anew. And then be willing to, each and all, let go of the conflicts to work toward togetherness, all of us as global family.

Perhaps this is the book everyone buys as a gift for themselves–and/or another–and then keeps on the coffee table or the dining room table for easy access this next year, sharing it with any who visit, reading it to any who will listen, and all of us working with Jeffers on this worthy mission.

Come back next Monday for another book review!