Review - In a Jar

In a Jar
by Deborah Marcero
Date: 2020
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Here's a marvelous picture book, charmingly written and beautifully illustrated, about the power of memory and the magic of friendship.

Llewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls. And, best of all, when they hold the jars and peer inside, they remember all the wonderful things they've seen and done. But one day, Evelyn has sad news: Her family is moving away. How can the two friends continue their magical collection--and their special friendship--from afar?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a somewhat-abstract picture book about a little rabbit. His name is Llewellyn (there aren't nearly enough picture book characters named Llewellyn!) and he likes to collect things. He collects simple things, but those objects evoke complex memories. One day, while he's out collecting, he meets another little bunny named Evelyn. To remind her of a beautiful sunset, he gives her a jar full of light. From then on, they're best friends. But, one day, Evelyn has to move away. Llewellyn feels like an empty jar. He decides to send her a special gift, and the two bunnies realize that their friendship is still alive; it's just different.

The concept here is interesting. I'm not sure if all readers will understand it (I'd be worried about those with more literal thinking), but it is explained quite well. Llewellyn isn't actually putting experiences into his jars; he's putting in objects that remind him of those experiences. But the illustrations could cause some confusion if they're taken too literally.

That said, the pictures are lovely. The bunnies are illustrated in an almost cartoon style, but some of the backgrounds they're placed against come from a variety of media such as collage, watercolour, and drawing.

Overall, this is a sweet little book about friendship and celebrating the things that hold friendships together.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5