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River
A boy learns where he comes from and how far he can go. While his mother gives all she has to help him reach his dreams, he discovers how many lives he can touch in his struggle to have a better life.
Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 30, 2024
Highly acclaimed author Dr. Calvin James brings a new level of allegory to children’s literature with “River,” a tale about a child full of wonder named Renly and his mother Mary, who shares her wisdom with him. This story bursts with thoughts of nature; the animals and the world around Renly, and the concept that we are interconnected.
Renly’s mother relates their lives to various water sources. She is a brook. He is a stream. She gives him insight into the other bodies of running water:
“There are brooks like me, which are very small, and very small life lives in them like insects. There are streams like you, which have larger and smaller animals living in them. Then there are creeks, which are even larger and have even larger animals. Then there are rivers, the largest bodies of running water in the world. Countless animals beyond size and measure live in them. Brooks run to streams. Streams run to creeks and ponds. Creeks run to rivers and lakes, and rivers run to the sea.”
As Renly grows into a young man, he maintains one constant goal. He wants to be a river. He remembers a lesson his mother taught him about how she saved every drop of rain and every snowflake when she was younger. She probably could have become a stream. But she chose a different path. She instead became a mother and gave some of her current to her son.
The illustrations by Jordan Pizzuti are exquisite, with natural earthy watercolors that enhance the concept of the story while delighting the eyes. The open relationship between mother and son is soul-satisfying as they discuss the wonders of their world and his aspirations as he matures.
There is a wonderful recurring list of the creatures in Renly’s stream, which is both charmingly alliterative and curiously immersive:
The creatures of darkness and night, the mosquitos and minnows, flies and fungi, lizards and leaches, and spiders… The creatures of light and day, the crayfish and catfish, the turtles and tadpoles, the bullfrogs and beavers, and dragonflies…
I loved so many things about “River,” which is the first book of the series Tales of the Mother and the Son. Without a doubt, my favorite is how Renly learns that his actions have consequences for more than just his life. Those around him, from his mother to the creatures in his stream, from the plant life to the very course of the stream, his decisions impact his world in ways he could not anticipate.
To be sure, the complex themes and profound insights highlight the fact that this is not the average children’s story. This is a story to be treasured among children and their families. “River” is a tale that a child can grow up with, gaining new insight as he or she matures and appreciates the deeper meaning within. This is a book that will spark many conversations between reader and listener, child and parent. Calvin James’ “River” is an experience to be shared.
Renly’s mother relates their lives to various water sources. She is a brook. He is a stream. She gives him insight into the other bodies of running water:
“There are brooks like me, which are very small, and very small life lives in them like insects. There are streams like you, which have larger and smaller animals living in them. Then there are creeks, which are even larger and have even larger animals. Then there are rivers, the largest bodies of running water in the world. Countless animals beyond size and measure live in them. Brooks run to streams. Streams run to creeks and ponds. Creeks run to rivers and lakes, and rivers run to the sea.”
As Renly grows into a young man, he maintains one constant goal. He wants to be a river. He remembers a lesson his mother taught him about how she saved every drop of rain and every snowflake when she was younger. She probably could have become a stream. But she chose a different path. She instead became a mother and gave some of her current to her son.
The illustrations by Jordan Pizzuti are exquisite, with natural earthy watercolors that enhance the concept of the story while delighting the eyes. The open relationship between mother and son is soul-satisfying as they discuss the wonders of their world and his aspirations as he matures.
There is a wonderful recurring list of the creatures in Renly’s stream, which is both charmingly alliterative and curiously immersive:
The creatures of darkness and night, the mosquitos and minnows, flies and fungi, lizards and leaches, and spiders… The creatures of light and day, the crayfish and catfish, the turtles and tadpoles, the bullfrogs and beavers, and dragonflies…
I loved so many things about “River,” which is the first book of the series Tales of the Mother and the Son. Without a doubt, my favorite is how Renly learns that his actions have consequences for more than just his life. Those around him, from his mother to the creatures in his stream, from the plant life to the very course of the stream, his decisions impact his world in ways he could not anticipate.
To be sure, the complex themes and profound insights highlight the fact that this is not the average children’s story. This is a story to be treasured among children and their families. “River” is a tale that a child can grow up with, gaining new insight as he or she matures and appreciates the deeper meaning within. This is a book that will spark many conversations between reader and listener, child and parent. Calvin James’ “River” is an experience to be shared.
April 15, 2024
River, by Dr. Calvin James, skillfully intertwines themes of nature, family, sacrifice, and grief into a narrative that fully engages its young readers. The story revolves around Renly, a boy who embodies the essence of a stream. His unique lineage, with a mother depicted as a brook and a father who was a fleeting snowstorm, sets the stage for an imaginative exploration of the natural world. Renly's upbringing in the forest, surrounded by a communicative and vibrant ecosystem, fuels his aspiration to become a river, symbolizing growth and transformation.
Dr. James' writing style adeptly balances poetic flair with accessibility for children, effectively introducing literary techniques like repetition and personification. This dual approach captivates young minds and serves as an educational resource for introducing complex literary concepts. The book's enchanting illustrations and vivid descriptions of the forest environment are instrumental in nurturing an appreciation for nature among its readers. A notable aspect of this book is its portrayal of Renly and his family as people of color, executed with realism and beauty. This representation enriches the narrative and contributes to the diversification of characters in children's literature. Moreover, Renly's journey through various emotional landscapes, including how he seeks and accepts assistance, provides valuable lessons in emotional intelligence and resilience.
River is an enriching read for children aged 8-12. It features an unconventional ending that, while it may be thought-provoking for some, also holds the potential to deeply resonate with young readers who have encountered similar experiences, offering them comfort and profound insights.
Dr. Calvin James' River is a thoughtful addition to any collection, particularly for those navigating difficult life experiences or seeking to diversify their reading material with inclusive characters. Its unique storytelling and character development approach makes it a compelling read for a broad audience.
Dr. James' writing style adeptly balances poetic flair with accessibility for children, effectively introducing literary techniques like repetition and personification. This dual approach captivates young minds and serves as an educational resource for introducing complex literary concepts. The book's enchanting illustrations and vivid descriptions of the forest environment are instrumental in nurturing an appreciation for nature among its readers. A notable aspect of this book is its portrayal of Renly and his family as people of color, executed with realism and beauty. This representation enriches the narrative and contributes to the diversification of characters in children's literature. Moreover, Renly's journey through various emotional landscapes, including how he seeks and accepts assistance, provides valuable lessons in emotional intelligence and resilience.
River is an enriching read for children aged 8-12. It features an unconventional ending that, while it may be thought-provoking for some, also holds the potential to deeply resonate with young readers who have encountered similar experiences, offering them comfort and profound insights.
Dr. Calvin James' River is a thoughtful addition to any collection, particularly for those navigating difficult life experiences or seeking to diversify their reading material with inclusive characters. Its unique storytelling and character development approach makes it a compelling read for a broad audience.
April 19, 2024
Highly recommend
"River" is a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of deep emotional resonance and the complexities of human relationships. It leaves readers with a lingering sense of hope and a reminder of the enduring strength of maternal love. This book is a heartfelt addition to any collection, promising to engage and inspire readers as they follow Renly's journey to finding himself and influencing the world around him.
"River" is a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of deep emotional resonance and the complexities of human relationships. It leaves readers with a lingering sense of hope and a reminder of the enduring strength of maternal love. This book is a heartfelt addition to any collection, promising to engage and inspire readers as they follow Renly's journey to finding himself and influencing the world around him.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews