4 stars
A sweet story that takes an unexpected turn. Freda doesn’t want to lose her favorite things. So she keeps them unused, preserved in jars. The story takes on a fantastic twist as she collect everything from rainbows to the moon to her favorite people. But as she navigates the darker, quieter world, she realizes there are always memories to be made and that your favorite things are only favorites when you can use and enjoy them.
A truly lovely book. The ending was quite subtle, which I found slightly odd for a picture book. The narration does not specifically note Freda’s “ah-ha” moment. Instead, the artwork tells the lesson (the empty jars, Freda wearing the once un-scuffed shoes, the once new toy unicorn on the floor without its tag, the once brand-new crayons out on the table). The message is interworked into the idea of being able to make more jam next year, working within the metaphor of being able to make new memories.
Brosgol’s artwork in this book is fantastic. It perfectly captures the mood of each scene. I loved the change in color scheme between the bright, joyful opening as Freda picks berries with her gran, and the dim landscape and interior after she bottles up everything. The flowers are wilted, the colors are dull. It really helps elevate the message of the story.
However, I do think the subtle message can lead to some confusion. The narration never explicitly says why bottling everything up and not using it isn’t always the best method. The lesson leans heavily on the illustrations. The connection is there, but it may not be clear, especially for young readers.
Overall, I really did enjoy the book. It took me two readthroughs to really grasp the message because of its subtlety. I really liked the fantastical idea of putting everything in jars and the message that those things are best enjoyed. It’s the memories and significance you place on an item that makes it important, rather than the physical item itself.