Customer Reviews

Salamander Dream

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not only a wonderful story, but every page is a work of art that could stand on its own. The book is a treat to look at, and even the paper stock ads to the feeling. Hope Larson is one of the best illustrators out there, and she is emerging as a good storyteller, also. This book is good enough to make me write an Amazon review for the first time in forever (and with this name I don't really remember coming up with). I love "Salamander Dream."

This lovely little graphic novel is a wonderful coming-of-age story, one which acknowledges the unavoidable changes & complexities of growing up, while reminding us that it's still possible to hold onto more of that childhood magic than we might have imagined. The duotone art has an emotional richness that belies its apparent simplicity -- Hope Larson already knows that less is more, and that one line can convey as much (if not more) than overly detailed work. And I just love the tiny captions for the various flora & fauna in the background! Everything about this slim volume, right down to the choice of paper & ink, is just right. It's an all-ages work in the best sense of the phrase: children will certainly enjoy it & respond to its charm, and adults will recognize truths that only time & experience can bring. Highly recommended!

A wonderful and visually attractive story that treats the living creatures of the forest as fully alive and full of magic, and a girl who holds on to that perspective as she grows older.

This story, the first solo project by Hope Larson, is the tale of a young girl's journey within a magical forest and her friendship with a salamander there, told in a series of encounters at different points in the girl's life. At each stage of her life, as she changes, so does her relationship with the Salamander. It is a wonderful coming of age story, illustrated in just black and green; the artwork is amazing and you can go pages without dialogue or text but still be told much. This minimalist approach adds much to the story. It is a coming of age story done in a wonderful and unique way.

Not only was this story a touching one, it was a simple design that brought out the feeling behind ever word, every picture. Hope Larson lives up to her name (Hope) and she inspires the reader to greater heights with each read.