The Silver Button is underwhelming. Ultimately, this reads more as a picture book for adults than for children. There is beauty in the framing of the illustrations; the reader gets to see multiple viewpoints which really do enhance the page. However, the media itself isn't exceptionally utilized. There isn't a narrative plot so much as the book is a collection of one minute snippits in the lives of many, many individuals. While this can be poignant for adults, especially parents, I worry the "story" will be lost on children. Our thoughtful librarian set this aside for me. When I first opened it, I was quickly consumed by the every day, yet universal, approach to one moment in time. As the book starts, a little girl is adding a silver button as the last flourish to her drawing. Suddenly her little brother stands up and takes his first step. From there, Graham gradually steps back to consider a jogger running, a soldier hugging his mom goodbye, a mom tying a shoelace, a tanker heading out to sea - the big and the small moments all happening worldwide in a single instant. Unlike any other book I've encountered, disguised as a simple book about a button.
What do You think about The Silver Button (2013)?
A snapshot of what happens between 9:59 and 10:00am one day. Lovely!
—sjlewis99
