It’s an eye-opener that calls attention to shy or self-conscious children, even quiet ones that become forgotten, become part of the background, or the couch, or the wall.
They remain unseen and unheard for various reasons connected to their character or lack of visible attraction
Jerry is one of these children; the ones who stand back;
an observer, never a participator. Someone who is never chosen but still has
something to offer if given the chance.
Illustrator Guiseppe Poli has perfectly captured Jerry’s isolation in his poignant first double spread reflecting loneliness within a crowd. He is the only one shown in colour; longing to be seen but not. All the other characters are presented as animated and in grey tones. These depictions of Jerry’s invisibility continue until he meets Molly.
Illustrator Guiseppe Poli has perfectly captured Jerry’s isolation in his poignant first double spread reflecting loneliness within a crowd. He is the only one shown in colour; longing to be seen but not. All the other characters are presented as animated and in grey tones. These depictions of Jerry’s invisibility continue until he meets Molly.
Molly shows interest in Jerry; in what he is thinking
and saying. She shares things with him. She
made him feel like a real person. And this feeling has a flow-on effect.
Jerry learns to recognize this invisibility in others, and sets out to repair
that unseen state.
This moving picture book is about having value as a
person, being paid attention and listened to; about the human need to share
thoughts and feelings with others. It is a book for adults as well as children
who have remained unnoticed at times. I’d like to believe that there has been a
Jerry or a Molly that has looked their way, and approached them with interest
to discover the wealth inside that has been waiting to be shared.
Title:
Invisible Jerry
Author:
Adam Wallace
Illustrator:
Giuseppe Poli
Publisher:
EK Books, $ 24.99
Publication
Date: 1 November 2018
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781925335781
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book
