Book Review: Migrant

A few weeks ago, I kept hearing about a new picture book illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. I had bookmarked her blog many, many years ago but had never read any books illustrated by her when this book jumped out from my library's shelves last week.

As the title implies, the story is about migrants. Specifically, it is about "The Low German-speaking Mennonites from Mexico" (per the jacket). I had never heard of them before, but I think the story works well to create empathy and understanding for any migrant community. The language, by Maxine Trottier, is so magical and evocative. I could picture no one but Isabelle Arsenault illustrating the words into such poetic images. Where the feelings of the young main character are characterized mostly as animals. It's harmonious, and dreamy, and everything we dream of creating ourselves - a picture book that stays with you.