Evaluation

At first I was a bit disappointed by how simple this book appeared to be, but then I realized that it was actually very complex. Before analyzing the text, I decided to explore the way in which the illustrations were constructed. This was the first picture book I had seen where there were photographs taken of tissue paper. I have to wonder if this author used the tissue paper to emphasize the fact that our world can be very delicate.

 My favorite tissue paper illustration is when there is a tissue paper earth made of blues and greens swirling in the center of the page. Amidst the blues and green is a red bandage made from red tissue paper to symbolize a “hurt” world. The most powerful line of the whole book occurs shortly after when it says, “The world broke on that day.” It is amazing to me that the simple word of “broke” can be so much more powerful than “death,” or “weapons” or “destruction.” Yet, Patel does not end the book in hopelessness. Instead, she spends the rest of the time telling her readers the impact they can make on the world by laughing, smiling, caring and doing kind things for others. Even though something bad may happen in another part of the world, “only a small piece of the world breaks.” It takes many positive, enthusiastic attitudes to mend this hurt. 

This would be an excellent book to read on the anniversary of September 11th or any other patriotic holiday that salutes those who are serving our country. This may also be a good book for earth day since it talks about how to treat our earth with love and respect. Students may decide to create their own tissue paper earth using water color and coffee filters. For young grades you have them complete an art project and then write one idea that they have for keeping the world peaceful.