I Promise I’ll Find You. Heather Patricia Ward. Illustrated by Sheila McGraw. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books, 1994/2011. 32 pp., pbk., $6.95. ISBN 978-1-55209-094-7. Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 2-6. Review by Christina Neigel. **** /4

excerpt:

If I had a little rowboat,
I’d row across the sea.
I’d row, row, row,
And I’d bring you back to me

If I had a little choo-choo train,
I’d chug on down the track
I’d chug until I found you,
And then I’d bring you back.

At first glance, one would see I Promise I’ll Find You as a small, unassuming work. However, it is a rare gem that needs to be fully explored to be fully experienced. With a simple promise, a parent braves the world to find her child. Each two page spread contains a single verse and a vivid visual depiction of her journey that takes her from the sea to the stars. Like the classic Guess How Much I Love You, I Promise I’ll Find You captures the essence of the parent-child bond with wonderfully simple and symbolic imagery.

      Children will relish searching for the faithful dog and the child in each spread. Adults will melt over the sweet words and sentimental portrayal of the “hunt”. Sheila McGraw’s bright and whimsical interpretations of the world bring light and warmth to Patricia Ward’s simple rhyming verse. This creative team has taken the frightening experience of being lost into a warm haven in which children and adults can safely experience together.

      Ideally suited for young children, I Promise I’ll Find You has the capacity to touch any reader. All preschool or primary level collections would benefit from having this book. Its clever design can actually appeal to a broad range of readers and emergent readers. It would also make an excellent book for new parents and, even, old ones!

Highly Recommended.

Christina Neigel is an instructor for the Library and Information Technology Diploma Program at the University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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