Thomas is not like his brother, not like the other students, not like all the others in the street. He is different.
And growing up is tough. The messages around Thomas are incessant: "Do you as you are told. Do your homework. Answer politely. Grow up. Do as we say. Think like us, be like us."
Think like us. Be like us.
And Thomas refuses.
Although the words within a picture book are important, there is so much more to a picture book than words alone. Often there is a stronger message to be gained, more in depth communication and thought involved when the pictures are allowed to spark their own message.
The importance, then, of this book's wordless pages cannot be spoken of highly enough. With its strong and vital message to children entering a confusing stage of their lives, this book is a great way to help them understand that to be different, to feel different, is not just okay. It's normal.
Title: I Am Thomas
Author: Libby Gleeson
Illustrator: Armin Greder
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $29.99 RRP
Publication Date: May 2011
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742373331
For ages: 7 - 11
Type: Picture book
Teaching notes for this book can be found here
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I was in a children's book store yesterday and explored the pages of 'I am Thomas'. After flipping the first page I was hooked by the dark, grotesque, and sinister imagery of the world around Thomas. The images dripped with despair and malice. I felt Thomas was dark, and seemingly resigned to existing alone in a corrupt world of institutions, where humans are cast as monsters eager to prey. I was moved by this book, I believe that it is a artistic tribute to hard truths that we all face growing up. The depiction of Thomas being tugged and pulled in all directions, lured by those who would use him, and haunted by his family and peers was very well done.
ReplyDeleteMy main objection is that I had found this book while pursuing the "3 year old" section. I am not a child psychologist and nor should one need to be to find this type of book being recommended for children, who are not able to grasp the broader social concepts, frankly disturbing. It is hard to believe that a three year old, even with parental guidance, could reflect and reconcile the dark emotions and crushing reality of Thomas' world. To me, this Book evokes a sadness about the human experience, it's dark and quite negative taken at face value. This book would have given me nightmares as a younger child. Yes, it is a picture book, nevertheless, I personally would not recommend it for anyone under twelve or thirteen. It is very important for children to feel that being different is normal, they should feel comfortable with themselves and be who they are. This book drives that message home with a sledge hammer. The message lost is that somehow in the thick of life it is also important retaining the ability to trust and have hope. It's is wonderful art work and i strongly suggest checking it out.
Very interesting comments, KS - thanks for sharing. There are many picture books designed for older readers - I think it's a shame when booksellers don't know their children's range well enough to understand where the books should be placed.
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