Review Detail

An old folktale comes to life with pastoral artwork and a story that captures a child's quiet joys, free spirit, and connection with nature. When his family falls on hard times, young Kevin stays at the local monastery, where he is busy learning, doing chores, and running outside with the local critters. The monks aren't sure he should be spending so much time with the deer and rabbits, but when a pair of blackbirds happen to nest in Kevin's hands, the boy displays a dedication to assisting his feathered friends that proves the bond between creatures can transcend language and learning.

Alongside Kevin's story, this book also offers a glimpse into daily life for many common people back in medieval times. There is neighborly love, in how the monks provide for Kevin, and the unspoken understanding that can develop between people and wild animals. Of course, I agree with the monks that children probably shouldn't be running around with wolves, but there is also something to be said for the power of lacking fear. Wild creatures are often dangerous through circumstances, because they feel defensive or afraid, rather than through a desire for violence, and that is something we shouldn't forget.

The story doesn't seem to come to a full ending, and I turned the last page wanting something more. But sometimes that's the way it is with older stories, the end is less of a finale and more a doorway to what could happen next.

The art is beautiful. I love how the style captures a historic and rural charm, which is displayed on the full pages illustrations, art-printed hardcase, and endpages (don't miss the ones in the back - they add an extra special ending to Kevin's story).