A poignant wordless picture book about a homeless boy and his mom, by Children's Literature Legacy Award winner James Ransome
When a little boy's mom picks him up from school, his day seems a lot like any other kid's. He and his mom go out for some fast food and then head to the library. But when they stay there till closing time, and then go to the park, we learn more. Through the lens of Ransome’s evocative illustrations we see that they ate out because they don't have a kitchen to cook in. They went to the library because they don't have a quiet space to do homework. And at night, they settle in to sleep on a bench in a city park because they don't have a home. The next morning, they are awakened by the rising sun, Mom’s bag is full of clean clothes, and there’s a fountain for washing up--and finally they are ready for the walk to school. His classmates may or may not know about his living situation, but what shines throughout the story is the deep love he and his mom have for each other.
* “A wordless tale that speaks loudly of American inequality. . . . Ransome’s gorgeous, richly hued watercolors convey the love between mother and child, balancing the difficulties they face with moments of true joy. In an author’s note, he asks, ‘In a country of vast resources, what is our responsibility to those without access to the basic necessities?’ Readers of this empathetic tale will come away resolved to work toward a world in which all people’s needs are met. Thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and moving.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “In spectacularly composed signature-style spreads, Ransome crafts a wordless story that centers an unhoused child and caretaker. . . . Richly detailed, carefully lighted images guide readers through this duo’s evening and morning in visuals that brim, throughout scenes of the two in crowds and alone, with abiding love and care.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Strikes a delicate balance between the celebratory presentation of a loving relationship between mother and son and the more somber commentary on how unhoused children can easily remain unnoticed. The lack of text keeps the focus solely on the boy and his mom, and their love for each other is crystal clear, as the two lean toward each other in almost every scene, him in a gentle adoration and her in a soft protectiveness. The watercolor-and-pencil art stretches across full spreads, immersing the reader in the dynamic energy of the city during the day before vibrant, warm tones shift to cooler, darker hues as the sun sets, bringing an unsettling anxiety that is reflected in the mother’s face. Still, the book is careful not to other the child and shows their story more as one of familial support than one of tragedy. . . . A realistic but compassionate look at homelessness.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Born in North Carolina, James Ransome is a graduate of the Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. While still a student at Pratt, James was one of twelve finalists out of two thousand selected to illustrate the annual Citibank calendar. After graduation, James continued to study painting at the Art Students League where his entry into the Society of Illustrators Annual Student Scholarship Competition received the Jellybean award.
Currently a member of the Society of Illustrators, James has illustrated numerous books for children, including Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt and Freedom's Fruit. His illustrations also appear on book jackets, greeting cards, puzzles and shopping bags, as well as in magazines and calendars. One of James's paintings is in the Charlotte (North Carolina) Public Library's permanent children's book art collection.
James currently lives in Poughkeepsie, New York, with his wife, Lesa, their two daughters, and their Dalmatian, Clinton.
View titles by James Ransome
A poignant wordless picture book about a homeless boy and his mom, by Children's Literature Legacy Award winner James Ransome
When a little boy's mom picks him up from school, his day seems a lot like any other kid's. He and his mom go out for some fast food and then head to the library. But when they stay there till closing time, and then go to the park, we learn more. Through the lens of Ransome’s evocative illustrations we see that they ate out because they don't have a kitchen to cook in. They went to the library because they don't have a quiet space to do homework. And at night, they settle in to sleep on a bench in a city park because they don't have a home. The next morning, they are awakened by the rising sun, Mom’s bag is full of clean clothes, and there’s a fountain for washing up--and finally they are ready for the walk to school. His classmates may or may not know about his living situation, but what shines throughout the story is the deep love he and his mom have for each other.
Praise
* “A wordless tale that speaks loudly of American inequality. . . . Ransome’s gorgeous, richly hued watercolors convey the love between mother and child, balancing the difficulties they face with moments of true joy. In an author’s note, he asks, ‘In a country of vast resources, what is our responsibility to those without access to the basic necessities?’ Readers of this empathetic tale will come away resolved to work toward a world in which all people’s needs are met. Thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and moving.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “In spectacularly composed signature-style spreads, Ransome crafts a wordless story that centers an unhoused child and caretaker. . . . Richly detailed, carefully lighted images guide readers through this duo’s evening and morning in visuals that brim, throughout scenes of the two in crowds and alone, with abiding love and care.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Strikes a delicate balance between the celebratory presentation of a loving relationship between mother and son and the more somber commentary on how unhoused children can easily remain unnoticed. The lack of text keeps the focus solely on the boy and his mom, and their love for each other is crystal clear, as the two lean toward each other in almost every scene, him in a gentle adoration and her in a soft protectiveness. The watercolor-and-pencil art stretches across full spreads, immersing the reader in the dynamic energy of the city during the day before vibrant, warm tones shift to cooler, darker hues as the sun sets, bringing an unsettling anxiety that is reflected in the mother’s face. Still, the book is careful not to other the child and shows their story more as one of familial support than one of tragedy. . . . A realistic but compassionate look at homelessness.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Author
Born in North Carolina, James Ransome is a graduate of the Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. While still a student at Pratt, James was one of twelve finalists out of two thousand selected to illustrate the annual Citibank calendar. After graduation, James continued to study painting at the Art Students League where his entry into the Society of Illustrators Annual Student Scholarship Competition received the Jellybean award.
Currently a member of the Society of Illustrators, James has illustrated numerous books for children, including Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt and Freedom's Fruit. His illustrations also appear on book jackets, greeting cards, puzzles and shopping bags, as well as in magazines and calendars. One of James's paintings is in the Charlotte (North Carolina) Public Library's permanent children's book art collection.
James currently lives in Poughkeepsie, New York, with his wife, Lesa, their two daughters, and their Dalmatian, Clinton.
View titles by James Ransome
