A interesting graphic that offers the reader little guidance in terms of a final definition. It may not be for everyone, but I found it enjoyable.
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This book was so gorgeously illustrated. I loved the artwork so very much, it really captured the feel of the writing. It was heavy, the writing, the message. It ended on a better note, but it was still a heavy read about WWII era Germany. I would recommend it to children 13+ though, I think they would be able to understand what was happening, and why this story is important. 4/5 stars. ( )

This ARC is a melancholy fable of the effect of war and bombs on civilians, and how some persist and survive. It won Canada's Governor General's Literary Award. Nine year old Mina is forced to travel to a bombed out ruin of a town where the local stray cats comfort her. She stands on line with hundreds of others in hopes of getting some undefined relief. Only her uncle, who defies authorities while wearing a red clown nose knows, what is really going on. Soon he disappears. Mila and her parents do survive, with differing memories of what they've been through. The old-fashioned illustrations (by Gerard Dubois) are lovely, with some suitable for framing. Only the glum gray cover does the story a disservice; I hope it doesn't dissuade many readers. ( )

I felt this was a very quick read that mildly hints at the topics of war and trauma. The illustrations are sepia-toned, which gave the book a bit of a unique feel for me. That's what drew me in initially. I feel like much is alluded to and the reader can draw their own conclusions. But it wasn't done in a way that you'd feel lost as you read. If something can be both subtle and obvious, I think this book pulls that off well. ( )