The Boy from the Sun- 2007 Governor General's Award winner- Picture Book #1

The Book

Weller, D. (2006). The Boy from the Sun. Vancouver, BC: Simply Read Books.

Summary

The Boy from the Sun tells the story of three children who in the beginning are sad and see the day as an ordinary nothing sort of day until a strange boy with a yellow shining head floats down from the sky. The strange new boy quickly befriends the children and takes them on a magical journey which allowed the children see the world through new eyes. The children end up discovering how beautiful and enchanting their world can really be, and with some imagination and creativity any dreary nothing sort of day can turn into a day of magic and excitement.

Response
This book was very heart warming and inspirational. I think it really gives the reader a sense of beauty and hope and encourages them to dream and to draw on creativity. I really enjoyed how Duncan Weller contrasted between the two worlds, as the boys world starts off so simple but then as they go on their magical journey it becomes so detailed. The illustrations of the magical journey are phenomenal, so vivid and real. The path and the boys being black and white still amongst all the colour and detail really gave a good impression of the journey they were going on and how beautiful the world is if you just allow yourself to explore it, whether it's in your mind or through travelling. I really enjoyed this book and loved how in the end the children were not just black and white but they as well had yellow heads as they are filled with new light and a new outlook on life.

This book contains a very simple, but powerful message and would be appropriate for all ages. It could be used in the classroom to show children the powerful impact of illustrations and simple wording, or could be used as a class discussion on what message they received from it. I think both adults and children would both appreciate this book and that's why I think it is good for all ages.

Awards received/Reader's advisory information
The Boy from the Sun is the 2007 Governor General's Award winner; it won this award for best illustrations in an English language book. The theme of this book is discovery and appreciation for the natural world. I think it is good for all ages but it would be great for ages 4-6 to use as an early reading book.