Voices in the Park – Anthony Browne
M: What I love most about VOICES IN THE PARK (what a great title, right?) by Anthony Browne is that each time I read it, I find something new. Whether it's a new detail within the illustrations or a new way of reading a sentence, there's always something to discover. VOICES IN THE PARK follows four people: A high-society mom, her son, an out-of-work father, and his daughter. The simple story is retold from each of the character's perspective, with Browne's artwork changing to suit each character's emotions and disposition. And right there is where the magic happens. Don't flip the pages too fast or you'll miss the subtle changes in the illustrations; from the color palette to the shape of the trees, each page is a new tale. What did you think, Julie?
Julie: The truth is, I would have recommended VOICES IN THE PARK even without the astonishing, delightful, seemingly never-ending surprises. I love the premise alone. What a great starting point the book offers for an early discussion of the facets of truth. In telling its simplest of stories, VOICES illuminates a complex and important idea. That's not nearly as easy as Browne makes it look. (Believe me, I've tried!) And then there's the phenomenal art! I love the statements made by the changes in visual style for each character. And did you notice Mary Poppins? King Kong? All of those hats? Everywhere, hats! The book is a feast. I wish I’d had it when my kids were younger.
M: I didn't see all the little hidden gems at first, but when I went through it again they just started popping out! Like the singing trees and the sad Mona Lisa painting that later reappears as a real woman dancing. Or the tree trunk that's actually an elephant's foot! And the lamp that's a flower. So much to discover. Makes me want to pore over the pages with a comb so I won't miss anything, which would be a great game to play with kids!
J: I'd respond at length, but I can't. I have to go find a tree trunk that's actually an elephant's foot. Anything you didn't love about VOICES?
M: Not a thing. Good luck finding it. I'm sure you'll stumble on a few other gems along the way.
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