This stunning picture book reflects the strong bond
between grandparent and child, the importance of shared memories, and the value
of storytelling.
Ruthie and Oma share many things. They enjoy each
other’s company and always want to be together.
The day Ruthie finds a box of
buttons under Oma’s bed her grandmother’s life opens up to her.
Each button is
significant and comes with a memory and a story. As Ruthie picks each one out,
Oma tells her which person is symbolized by the button, the story associated
with it, and the most important lesson learnt from that person.
There is a button that is her mother. It came from
Oma’s mother’s apron. Another is her father; one from his coat. And the list
gets longer, and the stories more joyous. Oma passes on her stories of love for
Ruthie to remember. There are funny stories, and happy and sad ones; all parts
of Oma’s life given as a gift to Ruthie.
One unusual button catches Ruthie’s attention. Oma gladly
gives it to her, but the next day on a walk in the woods, it falls from
Ruthie’s pocket and is lost.
Can the new button that Oma gifts to Ruthie replace
the lost one?
Jennifer Harrison’s illustrations are presented in
breathtaking detail. They appear like photos blown up to page size. Even the hairs on Oma’s arms are visible.
Balanced with beautiful prose, and filled with stories of shared love and warm
memories, powerful messages about the importance of what we leave behind for
our loved ones to remember us by, fill every page.
Charming and full of beauty, this book will be loved
by children, especially girls who have grandparents with whom they share a
special relationship.
Title:
Oma’s Buttons
Author:
Tania Ingram
Illustrator:
Jennifer Harrison
Publisher:
Penguin Random House, $24.99
Publication
Date: April 2018
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9780143786573
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book
