#blogbookaday: A House That Once Was

Summary:  “Deep in the woods
is a house
just a house
that once was
but now isn’t
a home.

Who lived in that house? Who walked down its hallways? Why did they leave it, and where did they go?

Two children set off to find the answers, piecing together clues found, books left behind, forgotten photos, discarded toys, and creating their own vision of those who came before.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: Two children explore an abandoned house deep in the woods wondering who used to live in it and where did they go. With lilting text, written by Julie Foliano, the author of When Green Becomes Tomatoes, this story carries you inside the abandoned house with the children as you, too, wonder about it’s former occupants. Lane Smith creates an ethereal feel to the illustrations with textures and colors and lines that don’t close all the way opposite strong, clear images of imagined homeowners.

Personal Reaction: This was such a different story and one that I’m still mulling about in my brain. The repeating words and phrases as the story progresses makes you feel a little bit of comfort in all the wonder and not-knowing of the story. I loved that the kids weren’t scared to go exploring and use their imagination to think about what once was. I really loved both the text and illustrations of this story and it would be one that I would share with older kids in elementary school and maybe have a discussion and see who the kids think used to live in the old house that now isn’t a home.

Title: A House That Once Was
Author: Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: May 1, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!