Clara and the Man with Books in His Window

K-Gr 2–Clara is a big help to her mother, especially when she brings freshly laundered clothing to the man who lives in the big house nearby. Because the man never comes out, he is something of an enigma, and Clara is determined to learn his story. As Clara continues bringing laundry to his doorstep, she and the man strike up an unlikely friendship, first through the love of books and stories, and later in discovering the courage to step out into a sometimes unforgiving world. This book is unique among picture books, especially because of its featured intergenerational interactions between Clara and her neighbor. There are very few words incorporated into the narrative, and those used are carefully placed so as to become a part of the story themselves. Additionally, the illustrations feature color in some places and outlines in others, much as Clara and the man have moments where their lives seem vivid and other times when specifics of their environments are less clear. Cleverly designed, the scenes depict the passage of time in their carefully intentional presentation. Artistic and thought-provoking, this book is one that will encourage reflection in children with each reading.