Definitely more than just a picture book. This is a piece of art- the story is subtle, lyrical, aching at the beginning which then moves into hopeful. The illustrations are composed of cut outs and line drawings with cold open lonely spaces and sharp edges, and a spot of red from the tree swing, the fox, the birds' chests. The voice is of the little boy who cannot sleep. His dad cradles him like a boat and after talking about the bread for the birds and the fox hunting at night and mom who will never wake again, they walk outside into the winter landscape to watch the stars for a while, seeking a shooting star to wish upon. Will it come true if they wish for the same thing? Back inside, the room is awash in rose colors. Definitely a different style than most picture books, this is an award-winning import from Norway, one that will resonant deeply with certain readers of all different ages. "It's quieter now than it's ever been," in a nearly colorless room, and a sleepless child goes to his solitary father for comfort, asking about the birds and the fox outdoors, and whether his mother will ever wake again, and is told, "'No, not where she is now.'" The pair venture out, the boy wrapped in his father's coat and arms, seeking solace in the stars and the wide, winter night. Warm color suffuses the house when they return, both reassured that "'Everything will be all right,'" as outside red-breasted birds eat proffered bread and the sky lightens. Cut-paper diorama and ink illustrations are haunting.
What do You think about Eg Kan Ikkje Sove No (2008)?
Stunning. Breathtaking. Gorgeous. I can't put into words how striking this book is.
—chelo026
Cormac McCarthy for children. Brilliant and sad and wonderful.
—jem
