Reviewed by Frank Blechman
This book begins with the author disclosing that he doesn’t read many books, and never planned to write one. He likes pictures, he says.
So, this is fable with text and pictures. As the four characters named in the title travel together, they have a conversation. Each asks the others questions, and considers if the answers are universal or not.
As the picture to left shows, although the questions and answers are simple, this is not really a children’s book. I’m not even sure if it is an adult book. It may be too sweet for some, too simplistic for others, and too complicated for a few.
Reading this book only takes about ten minutes. Digesting it, depending on how you digest, may take a little longer.
It is a metaphor, of course, for our journey through life. It recommends that when we encounter others, we should say “Hello.” When others don’t seem to have much to say, we should ask better questions. And when we are not sure where we are going, we should keep going anyway. We should honor our dreams more than our fears. We should set hard goals, even if we don’t know how to get there.
Reading this book only takes about ten minutes. Digesting it, depending on how you digest, may take a little longer.
Yet, as short and straightforward as it is, this book is an antidote to the cynicism, cruelty and stupidity of our public discourse.
If you are feeling “ill” watching TV news, take a break. Get a copy of this book. Read it. Look at the pictures. Tell your friends.
Categories: Book Review, Issues, Local, National
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