Kjolen til mamma

"One might think that children in an exploratory phase would find comfort in the story’s resolution. This audience, however, tends not to read metaphors and will most likely miss the story’s potential for identification—something it offers to anyone (girls included) who, for whatever reason, feels out of place. Possibly, those going through circumstances very similar to Umpi’s character will be able to draw strength from his encouraging words. For children on a different wavelength, though, the story might come across as foreign, eccentric, or—and here lies the subversive potential of fiction—a novel suggestion. For adults—the unavoidable collateral recipients of any text aimed at very young children—the ‘message’ is more explicit. The protagonist’s parents initially respond with anger, but a couple of pages later, they explain to the little one that their frustration stemmed from the fact that the dress ‘is only worn on special occasions’: no need to make a fuss.”

The book offers a subtle approach to a topic that is often quite complex. Without delving into moral reflections, the tone of the narrative stands out—it greatly shapes the character and is enriched by the simple strokes of the illustrations, which create a warm and welcoming reading atmosphere. The words are few. Yet we can feel, alongside this little boy, each of his perceptions and desires. Language, illustration, and storyline come together in a new and thought-provoking picture book that can be read in layers—and it is up to the reader to decide how far they wish to go.