October 2019, Barrington Stoke, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy
Summary from Barrington Stoke
Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in
the cupboards. Forced to visit the local foodbank, Mum feels ashamed
that they have to rely on the kindness of others. Maybe one day things
will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest
of days.
Nayu's thoughts
I think it is highly important that every situation which can affect a person makes it into picture books, so children learn up knowing it is okay to not have much money. It isn't easy, and it sure isn't fair to be unable to have favourite food when using a food bank, but despite the difficulty the girl's mother gives her so much love and makes life as fun as possible.
These days it is heartbreaking that so many people have to use foodbanks. I hear a lot are ashamed to use them, as it can feel like they have failed to provide for themselves and/or their family. But food banks are there to give food when people fall on hard times. Children have to endure food poverty, and I really hope this book which shows the girl is no different in any other way to her classmates, will show readers that it is okay to use a food bank when you need to. The food can be rather varied, and you can't expect to have the same food because the items are entirely relient on what people donate.
I have seen a few programs on how food banks work and despite the circumstances that they are needed for, they are run really well. It is easy to donate, some supermarkets have drop off boxes where you can put items in. It isn't just for humans, pet food goes in too! The muted style of illustration does have splashes of colour which I think signifies the fun that the girl's mum finds, as well as the kindness of all those at the food bank. I think a brighter colour palette wouldn't have hit home as much as the greyer one does, as it somehow conveys how hard life is for the girl's mum, who does her best to shield her daughter from their poverty. I pray one day food banks will be a thing of the past. No idea how to make that happen when it feels like idiots are in charge of the country.
Find out more on Kate's website.
Suggested read
Other emotive books where colour is significant includes Bob's Blue Period by Marion Deuchars (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)
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