This story combines many diverse elements like biography, poetry and magical realism as it slowly unfolds the life of an extremely uncommon boy. This curious child walks to the beat of a different drummer most assuredly.  Paramount in his life however, is the menacing almost presence of his father. This wall of obstinacy counteracts  all the creative aspects of this child’s life. The child  acts and reacts as an almost terror stricken human. There are times and places though when his creative spirit takes control and our young child thrives and matures.

The child Neftali’s life is dominated  by the harshness of his father but also  is softened and nurtured by the care of his Mamadre, sister of his deceased mother, and supported by a caring older brother Rodolfo and a younger sister Luarita. The influences of these three individuals  contributed immeasurably to Neftali’s development as one of Chile’s greatest poets, Pablo Neruda.

The life events of this amazing young child play significant roles in his development as poet. The arrangement of the story, the poetry and the art all combine into a reading experience one must savor for oneself. Some of the art was included in my reading copy, but this  served only  to make me want to see the final finished art to make my reading experience more complete.

This book should be classified as biography, but actually it is so much richer. The pages dealing with the hundreds of influences which affected this poet as a child are mesmerizing and almost bewitching. The author, Pam Munoz Ryan, weaves a spell of words on the reader.  Peter Sis in his magnificent art adds another dimension to these brilliantly placed words. This book is a winner for all ages. Available April 2010.

The text is accompanied by lovely paintings which give breath and dimension to the author’s well-chosen words. This is a lady so-well known to the entire world and this brief treatment provides insightful data on her origins.

I like to classify  these  picturebooks or storybooks  as “Near-Biography”.  A recent publication, LOUISA  THE LIFE OF LOUISA MAY ALCOTT  by Yena Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen  (Henry Holt,  2009,  $17.00)  brings the childhood and early writing career of this remarkable writer to a young audience today.

We follow the childhood of Louisa and her family through many difficult times. Louisa seemed always to be a major force within the family circle. She was diligent in her efforts to assist the family, as well as many others, to   cope with the difficulties of daily life. At one point Louisa travelled to work with injured Civil War soldiers. But no matter where she went her primary concern was for the welfare of her family.  She labored at many jobs until publication of LITTLE WOMEN provided her with any kind of permanent support and security.