BETWEEN THE LINES
By: Lindsay Ward
Published: October 1, 2021
Publisher: Two Lions
Fiction
A young boy begins to notice the color, the joy, leaving his community. It’s subtle and the adults don’t seem to notice.
Then a thunderstorm comes and takes away the last hint of color, leaving the community hurt, angry, and distanced from each other.
“…rust redbrick roads bathed in ripe, orange mornings.
Lemon Popsicle yellow melting, sticky and sweet.
Freshly cut green against bluebird skies.
And a sea of stars sprinkled on velvet purple nights.”
Lindsay Ward, BETWEEN THE LINES
Even though the concept of the story may be difficult for the younger readers to understand, they will notice how the illustrations go from vibrant colors to black and white and grayscale. They will notice the people on the pages go from happy to sad and stand away from each other. They will feel the sadness on the pages.
The young boy misses the colors of his community and the smiles and laughter on the streets and sidewalks. When he no longer dreams in color, he takes it upon himself to sweep away the darkness and replace it with joy. Soon others come out to join him and then…the rains returned and there was laughter again.
Lindsay Ward is a prolific children’s author and illustrator that knows how to make children laugh. She often shares stories of friendship, helping others, and inclusion. Her newest story uses poetic prose about a difficult topic to remind all of us that hiding away from others isn’t the way to live. Step out into your community, smile and greet others, help keep your neighborhood looking beautiful, and most of all be kind to each other. Thanks to Ward for the nudge we all need right now.
Lindsay Ward is the author and illustrator of several children’s books. Her book PLEASE BRING BALLOONS was also made into a play. Lindsay lives with her family in Peninsula, Ohio. Learn more about her by visiting her website, HERE.
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Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, fiction, Lindsay Ward