Scan barcode
A review by panda_incognito
Spork by Kyo Maclear
3.0
In this picture book, a spork feels torn between the two halves of his family, feeling like he is not enough to satisfy the spoons or the forks. Over the course of the tale, he comes to recognize that he has unique value for who he is, and is able to fulfill a role that no one else can.
The story is a clear parable for mixed race children, and even though some people will object to a multicultural child's portrayal as an inanimate object, the author explains on her website that she came up with this metaphor based on her own experience growing up with a Japanese mother and white British father. The mostly monochrome illustrations are creative and cute, and this story can encourage mixed race kids who feel torn between different extended family groups, without the illustrations committing to any specific racial presentation.
In cases where a mixed race family doesn't experience conflict or misunderstanding from extended family members, this picture book may introduce worries that a child doesn't already have, but when a child is struggling to fit in and navigate the different elements of their identity, this could be very helpful and encouraging. It's also a good read for other families, to explore more general questions of identity and encourage empathy for others.
The story is a clear parable for mixed race children, and even though some people will object to a multicultural child's portrayal as an inanimate object, the author explains on her website that she came up with this metaphor based on her own experience growing up with a Japanese mother and white British father. The mostly monochrome illustrations are creative and cute, and this story can encourage mixed race kids who feel torn between different extended family groups, without the illustrations committing to any specific racial presentation.
In cases where a mixed race family doesn't experience conflict or misunderstanding from extended family members, this picture book may introduce worries that a child doesn't already have, but when a child is struggling to fit in and navigate the different elements of their identity, this could be very helpful and encouraging. It's also a good read for other families, to explore more general questions of identity and encourage empathy for others.