September is World Kid Lit Month, a time when we are encouraged to explore international children’s literature. So I cast my eye over my mountainous pile of books to review to try and find something suitable and unearthed a rather special picture book. The title itself is tempting, the cover illustration attractive in a nostalgic way and then the opening lines are, I think, irresistible.

“This is the story of my mother and her friend Juan, of how she discovered books and he, the light of day.”

This beautiful book is set in rural 1920s Argentina and tells the true story of Hans Christian Andersen Award winning author Andruetto’s mother Clara. Clara was the daughter of a poor laundress who when assisting her mother delivering laundry meets Juan, a wealthy recluse, who lives in a house lined with books. He never leaves his home due to his past and his feelings of shame and a lack of courage. Gradually a tender bond grows between the little girl and the sad man and the reader watches the moving effect of friendship and the world available within the pages of a book.

Andruetto has used family history to create a gorgeous and powerful homage to the power of books and friendship in this stunningly illustrated book. Each double page spread conveys emotions that are not always articulated in the spare text. This is truly a book where one ‘reads’ the pictures. The opening pages are wordless and the sepia tinted illustrations depict a rural Argentinian landscape which, as one turns the pages, zooms ever closer in on Clara and her mother. Clara in her green dress and red shoes draws the eye instantly and as the story unfolds we watch the small child carry her basket of laundry back to the gentleman who lives alone. She takes the money left on the mat leaving the laundry behind and the man, in blank silhouette sits alone, turned away amongst his books. Gradually through hesitant conversation at the door the man learns that Clara can read, taught by her Grandma, and on her next visit a book is left for her on the doormat. So begins a friendship, conversations about the stories and about their lives are shared. The man’s love for another young man many years ago is alluded to and it is this loss that has resulted in his loneliness. Through the man’s story Clara learns the importance of ‘courage’ and learning to be brave enough to live your own life.

The illustrations in a watercolour style with the use of digital collage are integral to the story and would prompt a great deal of discussion and thought if shared in the classroom. The use of colour to convey emotion and highlight particular memories or important items is a particular strength. I was curious about the significance of the selection of items depicted on the title page and their reappearance in the man’s home. The passage of time is skilfully conveyed too. There is so much to ponder on here that I would love to share this book with an expert in illustration. A word of thanks also to the translator, Elisa Amado, a Guatemala-born author and translator who has ensured that the text has almost a fairy tale quality to it.

Clara and the Man With Books in his Window was published by Greystone Books in June and I should like to thank the publisher and Catherine Ward for my review copy.