Mirror by Jeannie Baker

Baker, Jeannie Mirror, 48 pgs. Candlewick, 2010. $13. PICTURE BOOK. CURRICULUM CONNECTION.

This picture book uses no text at all to tell the simultaneous story of two boys who live in different countries. It follows one boy from Morocco and the other from Australia, each living a single day of their life from start to finish: as they wake up with their families and accompany their fathers on an errand. The reader opens a page from each side of the book to view the two stories at the same time. The intensely detailed artwork reveals both differences & similarities of the boys lives as it visually explores a plethora of cultural references and the threads of everyday life that reveal us all as humans sharing the experience of life.

This stunning book can be enjoyed utilized by a broad range of reading levels, both for entertainment and education. The art work is so detailed and interesting that I could spend hours exploring. As a bonus, Walker books has created a wonderful classroom ideas handout. EL –Essential. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.