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A review by kitsuneheart
Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas
2.0
I feel like this is the first time I've come across a specifically Scottish picture book. Sadly, it's...not very good. Granted, it was published in the early 70s, so there wasn't such a refined history of picture books, as of yet, but I doubt this would interest pretty much any kid, nowadays. I think the only reason it warranted a more recent reprint is it's status as a Caldecott winner.
The main problem isn't the artwork--which is pretty flat, for a Caldecott winner--but the text. While I understand the author was trying to recreate a traditional Scottish song, it just doesn't work in the translated version, when using any sort of American accent. And, while the song is Scottish, as I said, the poem was translated and published for American audiences (the Caldecott is only given to American authors). The rhythm and rhyme break down repeatedly, meaning you never get up any sort of speed, merely stumbling along.
In general, I'd say the only modern readers of this book will end up being those studying the Caldecott medal.
The main problem isn't the artwork--which is pretty flat, for a Caldecott winner--but the text. While I understand the author was trying to recreate a traditional Scottish song, it just doesn't work in the translated version, when using any sort of American accent. And, while the song is Scottish, as I said, the poem was translated and published for American audiences (the Caldecott is only given to American authors). The rhythm and rhyme break down repeatedly, meaning you never get up any sort of speed, merely stumbling along.
In general, I'd say the only modern readers of this book will end up being those studying the Caldecott medal.