My SCBWI-AZ Book Look and SCBWI-SF PB Craft Discussion groups looked at three books this month with themes of “home.” HOME by Matt de la Pena and Loren Long; A PLACE FOR US by James E. Ransome; and OLD BLUE IS MY HOME by Lita Judge. Read on for my review of Old Blue.
This book is about: Living in an old blue van
But really it is about: Belonging and Resilience
Be prepared! It packs an emotional wallop.
Edelweiss: A gentle, hopeful story of a family and the van that provides safety, warmth, and togetherness.
Kids are so matter-of-fact. Whatever their circumstances – it becomes their reality. The title reflects this: OLD BLUE IS MY HOME. As naturally as a child might describe their house – kitchen, bedroom, yard, street, neighborhood– this child tells us all about Old Blue – the van that takes her and her family everywhere. By the fourth spread, we understand Old Blue is not just transportation.
The young girl gives us a tour of the space – her closet (a hammock), the kitchen “everything we need”, where she sleeps, eats (on a camping table), showers, how she stays warm, and where she finds comfort when “these walls feel cold inside and so do I.”
Her interiority is honest and real. “I’m from everywhere and nowhere.” “I believe the world has a place for me too.” This child knows that her home is not like those of other children. Yet she doesn’t dwell in a place of shame or sadness, always coming back to “Old Blue is my home” – spoken with matter-of-fact love.
Lita Judge’s story comes from her lived experience as a child. The watercolor illustrations support the child’s wistfulness –missing out on playing with other children and a hope for a forever-home someday.
They gently convey the heartache that this is a reality for many children, and at the same time they offer a sense of relief that this child understands Old Blue takes care of her family, “keeping us together.” The story does not condemn society for the root causes that make this her reality. It does what a good picture book should do – it prompts you to wonder: Why does it have to be this way?
In five words:
My new favorite picture book.
Our friend Tabatha at The Opposite of Indifference
hosts the Poetry Friday round up this weekend. Join us!
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Wow! I can’t wait to read this book, Patricia. Thank you for the review!
Patricia, this is a beautiful and thoughtful review of Old Blue is My Home!! Thank you so much for sharing! What a wonderful way to delve into new picture books: with a group! Love the “what it’s about/what it;’s really about” and 5 word synopsis. Thank you so much! I am sharing your post with my book group!!!
Wow, Patricia, what a stellar review. I am definitely going to get this one. The illustrations look lovely, and the story and question, “it prompts [one] to wonder: Why does it have to be this way?” says it all!
Hooray for representation! So glad that kids can either find themselves or learn about someone else’s lives through this book.
I’m really looking forward to reading this book!
I read it last year, Patricia, and shared with my granddaughters. They’re older & do know about homelessness, but this showed a connection no matter the circumstances I wanted them to see, too. Thanks for sharing. It is a lovely and caring book!
Thank you for this, Patricia. I’m looking forward to reading it and am recommending it to my book award committee. Perfect timing – we’re meeting today!
What a beautiful review of a beautiful book, Patricia.
As the daughter of an Air Force pilot who had to move around a lot as a kid, I’ve often said, “I’m from everywhere and nowhere,” but this child’s story (and Lita’s) gives that expression new meaning. Thanks for sharing this one.
What a beautiful review, Patricia. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
What a great book! I”d love to read it. I often think that home is home to kids and they all they want is to feel loved and safe.
Patricia, I love the line you had in your review – “”Old Blue is my home” – spoken with matter-of-fact love.” Matter of fact love – how wonderful! I wish we could all retained some of that non-judgmental accepting ways that children have. Thank you for sharing this book. I foresee a must read with grandchildren in the future.
Such a beautiful review! You’ve convinced me to add this book to my growing list to purchase and share. Thank you!
Those three books make a fantastic trio for exploring the idea of HOME. Fascinating.
This sounds really good. Thank you for the review, Patricia.
Beautiful and heartbreaking. With the cost of living crisis we’re experiencing in my city, there are far too many children living in unstable or unpredictable housing situations, but making the best of their reality with imagination and love. <3