The Quicksand Book by Tommie dePaola is an oldie but goodie. If you’re familiar with Tommie dePaola’s work, then you know just how masterful he is at talking to kids. The Quicksand Book is no exception. The story begins with one of the characters in a perilous situation. As a reader and observer, I’m immediately pulled into the story. How could I not? This is certainly a life and death situation and as human beings we are drawn to the observation of things and situations greater than ourselves. As a reader I understand that there is a dire situation at hand and as a powerless observer I can only expect an appropriate response to alleviate it. What makes The Quicksand Book unique is the reciprocity between both main characters. Both understand that they’re involved in a dilemma, but both are not in sync when it comes to dealing with it. In short, there is an understanding between them, but then there really isn’t. Tommie dePaola is masterful at this, by the way. Although there is a verbal exchange, I guess you can say that there is a definite glitch in it. In any case, an appropriate response to this tension would be to deal with it in some sort of constructive way as quick as possible. However, The Quicksand Book deals with this anxiety in an unorthodox way. There are calm responses that are repeated throughout the story that evolve into something instructive, intellectual, comprehensive, and simply out-of-place. This pattern repeats itself so much that the person experiencing this anxiety, constantly asserts the inappropriateness of the approach, thus increasing the tension in the story. It’s a viscious cycle, really, but it’s a fun one, nonetheless - and one that keeps the reader glued to each page, while anticipating the following one. It is a story with a perfect balance.
I read kids books is what I do. It's just me, reading kids books and writing my thoughts. I have a M.Ed. in Children's Literature, so in my years of researching children’s literature, I’ve found that children’s literature is essential to the personal and academic development of all children because it is a window that not only opens, but also reflects the diversity of our human experience. More importantly, it lets young readers and readers of all ages know that children and people like them are worthy of being in books. If you have any questions, comments, observations, or if you just want to say hello, send me an email.
