Title: The other side
Author: Istvan Banyai
Publisher: Chronicle Books; First edition (July 7, 2005)
ISBN: 0-8118-4608-3
The other side is a fantastic little book that depicts scenes and then flips the point of view exploring ideas of curiosity and perspective. I would guess it would instill in children a sense of wonder as to how things are from another point of view, what is it like to be the lion in the cage, the women in the magazine or perhaps the person whom you have a disagreement with.
The other side is a bit large for children to hold but certainly not an impossible task. Another comment I would make is that there are some pages that even I found even a bit obscure in a book that is already addressing a somewhat abstract concept. With all this said I still thinks a fantastic book for children. The artwork is fantastic in it's detail and creative use of colors that avoids being to overwhelming whilst not being dull. The narrative itself although a little obscure and even challenging for some is interesting and something I believe many children would adore.
Perspective is certainly an abstract and difficult idea for young children. I can see using this book in many different ways with older writers and storytellers. The sparse use of color is an interesting choice that many wordless picture book illustrators are using now.
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