This unique children’s picture book genre embraces the essence of “synergy” in which the elements of text and illustration combine to create a greater effect. It is especially appropriate as a Covered Bridge Book Club selection in this issue to feature a beautiful picture book with a message for all ages about the power of creating together.
What shall we build, you and I?
I’ll build your future and you’ll build mine.
International bestselling author/illustrator superstar, Oliver Jeffers, offers a perfect
gift book for families or caregivers, mentors and kids to share in growing together and as individuals. Jeffers was born in Australia, grew up in Belfast, Ireland, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York (keeping a getaway in his Northern Ireland roots!). He created this story at the birth of his daughter, Mari, as a companion book to his previous Here We Are, written to welcome Hamond, his infant son. Mari is the main character in What We’ll Build, alongside Jeffers himself. In this book, father and daughter dream, plan and build for the future.
Oliver’s words are rhythmic and rhyming. His signature, suggestive drawings are dynamic and daunting, portraying luminous, rainbow hues.
Let’s gather all our tools for a start.
For putting together and taking apart.
Let’s build a door where there was none.
We’ll build a house to be our home.
The story begins with the literal meaning of the word “build” as they gather up hammer, saw, chisel and material goods. (Also, Mari always keeps her favorite stuffed pink pig in tow, fun to spot throughout the book!) The theme quickly expands to embrace “building” as an abstract, worldly approach, suggesting the pursuit of limitless hopes and dreams. Much of what the pair creates together is metaphorical and fantastical.
We’ll build a tower to watch the sky,
and other worlds that pass us by.
Let’s build a tunnel to anywhere.
Let’s build a road up to the moon.
They learn from each other about exploring feelings and relationships, solving problems, building friendships, dealing with anger, and practicing resilience and forgiveness. They acknowledge that the world is not always safe or sound and urge self-protection. But, turn the page to ponder the importance of opening hearts to others, mending fractured relationships and nurturing the hope of reconciliation with our “enemies.” Without a doubt, a timely message for all ages!
We’ll build some love to set aside,
and build a hole where we can hide.
A fortress to keep our enemies out,
and higher walls for when they shout.
But you don’t always lose,
and you don’t always win.
So we’ll build a gate to let them in.
We’ll build a table to drink our tea,
and say … I’m sorry. Me Two. Me Three.
Father and daughter build love and trust, returning to build a fire in a place where they can rest. The illustrations magically convey that they have embraced their experiences, with much accomplished, yet more to plan and explore for their future.
We’ll put these favorite things beside the
earlier love we set aside.
I think that we may want them later,
when times are hard and needs are greater.
But, first things first, let’s build a fire,
for we’ve planned a lot and now we’re tired.
It’ll keep us warm like when we’re born,
then we’ll say good night, as all’s all right.
These are the things we’ll build, you and I.
Their story ends with an image of their hands touching. Mari’s tiny fingers in her father’s open palms symbolize that together we can build anything “where there was none,” especially the intangible and precious things in life. Supporting each other lends hope and strength to everyone’s future. Progress depends on our willingness to work together to solve common problems. Let’s get started today.
These are the things we’ll build, you and I.