By Jonathan Voss
Reviewed by Laurie Higgins
It’s a well kept secret! Picture books are not just for children. Educators use picture books in all grade levels–even high school. The themes, literary elements, and plain old good feelings you find in a well written picture book can and should be experienced by young and old. I found this book shortly before it was published in June. I still smile when I see the cover and remember the first time I read the words within.
What could be better than going on an adventure with your best friend? In Brave Enough for Two, Jonathan Voss’ debut as an illustrator and author, Hoot and Olive go on an adventure and learn a little about themselves along the way. Olive, a thoughtful young girl, would rather find adventures in books, but Hoot, her confident stuffed owl, has planned a surprise for Olive. While this adventure is a “small bit scary,” the two friends learn “so long as I’m here and you’re there, and here and there aren’t very far apart, we can never be lost.”
As the adventure begins, Olive is not so sure she is up for Hoot’s planned surprise, but Hoot promises Olive that he will be brave enough for both of them. The friends fly, in a hot air balloon basket, over the ground that looks “like a giant patchwork quilt passing beneath them” before venturing in a boat that “bobbed and spun like a carnival ride.” Even though Olive is afraid, with Hoot by her side, she sees the beauty each adventure brings. Voss creates a twist at the end that tugged at my heart as Olive has discovered that she can also be brave enough for two.
Voss’ serene watercolor illustrations work as stand alone art to tell a story, however, when paired with his beautiful text, the story fills the heart with a sense that with a friend by your side, you don’t have to be afraid.
I would recommend this as a must read for anyone who loves The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, stories of friendship and courage or a beautifully illustrated picture book. I am hopeful that we will see more of Hoot and Olive from Voss. He has definitely hit on an enchanting pairing of friends and I want to go on more adventures with Hoot and Olive. I adore these friends and hope you and your little ones love them as much as I do! Don’t forget to read ….. The Fine Print.