22 Orphans

Kane/Miller, which specializes in children’s books from around the world, adds a sturdily constructed, beautifully crafted work of children’s literature from Tjibbe Veldkamp of the Netherlands. Twenty-two Orphans, poor in play materials but with a wealth of imagination, enjoy themselves immensely - until the arrival of a well-meaning but repressive new headmistress. Their liberation over this difficult circumstance is all the sweeter as it frees the authoritarian headmistress as well, resulting in a satisfying denouement for all.

Within the short pages of this delightful book, Veldkamp narrates the story of the inventive denizens of the towering, Gothic country orphanage with stylish assurance and subtle wisdom. Both author and illustrator capture the essence of child’s play, while remaining mercifully free of both sentimental slop and the smart-alecky ironical wink all too current in children’s tales.

Hopman’s color-washed, squiggly line drawings convey a gravity-defying zest and sense of adventure completely in tune with the narrative. The pandemonium of creative play is captured in the many small drawn details (such as 22 different expressions on falling orphan’s faces), which a child is free to explore during successive readings of the story. 22 Orphans contains every bit as much panache and originality as that classic story Madeline, and provides a fine, fresh, counterpoint to the latter’s simplistic rhythms and current mass-marketing effort.

Reviewed by Josephine Arrowood

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Load Next Review