Jackson, Richard. In Plain Sight. Jerry Pinkney, Illus. Picture Book. Roaring Brook/Holtzbrinck, 09/2016. [32]pp. $17.99. 978-1-62672-255-2. OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-2.
In Plain Sight drops us into an endearingly cluttered apartment full of books, art supplies, and sundries from a long, rich life. A young African American girl and her grandfather share daily treasure hunts. Readers can search the illustrations for each hidden object with young Sophie. From Sophie’s bright, funky clothing to her grandfather’s tender affection, Jackson and Pinkney create an authentic family portrait within a quiet, simple story. The joyful depiction of urban life continues beyond Sophie’s apartment as children and adults pack the sidewalk on their way to school and work. Sophie’s neighbors are ethnically diverse, and her grandfather has limited mobility, spending much of the story in his wheelchair. Jackson’s story portrays a loving intergenerational relationship through a daily tradition, and Pinkney’s familiar colored pencil and watercolor illustrations are conducive to a very satisfying one-on-one reading.
Lolade Gbadebo, Frick Impact Academy