The Spoon

by Sandra Siemens, Bea Lozano (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Sandra Siemens vive en Wheelwright, un pequeño pueblo del sur de Santa Fe. Ha recibido, entre otros, el Premio Norma-Fundalectura y el premio Barco de Vapor. Tiene numerosas publicaciones en Argentina y en el exterior. Es autora de El monstruo Groppopol, El bandido de los mares, De unicornios e hipogrifos, #¡Ay! #dijo Filiberto y La polilla.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish the images matched the tone of the writing more. The story is about a special spoon that a girl's family has had for generations. It's special because it was one item the great grandmother had with her when she fled a unnamed country during war. The current little girl is sad she can't just use the spoon for various things, instead of always keeping it safe in a drawer. I like the idea of this story but it fell flat for me.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a spoon in the drawer that our young protagonist wants to eat soup with, dig holes with, play drums with. She is repeatedly told that is not what that particular spoon is for. Apparently it's a very important spoon that her grandmother brought with her when she fled her home country during "the war".

Illustrations are weird and not a child-friendly topic. Recommended to those who need a conversation starter about family heirlooms, maybe.

[Anne with Violets · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

The child understands the spoon’s significance to the family, yet insists on using it to dig dirt or as a drumstick. I don't understand the 'why' behind this. What's the message here? Is the author suggesting that tradition shouldn't be a mere relic? That it needs to be adapted for the modern era? Frankly, it makes no sense to me, and the artwork is just as baffling.

[Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves a 5 star. It is rated extremely low and I can guess why (lack of understanding and empathy for people seeking sanctuary). Please read this book and rate it higher. It is a short, important and impactful read and it deserves more.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of family and generations