PEBBLES TO THE SEA

Two siblings temporarily unite their separated parents.

Set in La Grave, a close-knit community on Quebec’s Iles de la Madeleine, this story follows Flo and Fée (who narrates), whose parents live apart. After painting pebbles one day, the siblings strew their little stones as they visit adult friends, hoping the trail will lead their parents to them. At their final stop, the parents, having followed the path, do indeed join the children. Flo and Fée have already learned that separation doesn’t mean irrevocable loss, for a wise friend has explained, “You two will always link your mother and father.” Then, another, colorful surprise awaits. This quiet French Canadian import about connections handles parental breakups calmly and with a detached air; Flo and Fée seem to take their folks’ split well. Two islands connected by a sand bridge are a metaphor for permanency; in the end, the siblings recognize they’re the “bridge” forever linking their parent “islands.” Appealing paint-and-collage illustrations include photo cutouts, torn paper, and lace. Photos of the blond, light-skinned sisters personalize them; other characters are light-skinned as well. The predominance of blues supports the maritime location; making effective use of perspective, several scenes heighten the idea of separation. Muted colors connote seriousness, though emotions run the gamut. Specific references to places make this a lovely ode to La Grave, but—without a pronunciation guide or context—the French names may confound readers unfamiliar with the setting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Reassuring and with some nice characterizations but coolly distancing overall.