Jan Spivey Gilchrest

Recognizable sibling relationships and associated emotions come alive in dynamic poems and realistic watercolor illustrations. As irritating as brothers and sisters can be, “…I’d rather have them, than not.”

Where do words come from? For this poet, they come from dreams or a memory. This book of poems and textured illustrations of fabric and yarn complete this exploration of feelings and language.

A boy and his father, shown as African Americans in warmly hued illustrations, enjoy doing everyday activities together, from laundry to sharing a book and more. The simple pleasures of family life are conveyed affectionately through easy but flowing language and realistic paintings in a sturdy format.

“Between 1915 and 1930, more than a million African Americans…moved to the North” including the poet’s family. Join the travelers as they seek a better life in a different part of the United States. Rhythmic but not rhyming verse is complemented by evocative illustrations.